Christian Alliance for Orphans

Speaker Bureau

The CAFO Speakers Bureau is offered as a resource for churches and groups seeking compelling voices for conferences, events and services. Each speaker has been officially recommended by one or more CAFO member organizations.

CAFO does not endorse individual speakers, and the views expressed by speakers are not necessarily those of all CAFO members or CAFO as a whole. Diligence is urged in discerning the unique strengths and messaging of individual speakers.

All arrangements must be made between the inviting entity and the speaker.

Dan Deeble

Lost Ball Consulting

Dan Deeble

Lost Ball Consulting https://lostballconsulting.com/

Dan Deeble is currently the owner of Lost Ball Consulting. Prior to that, Dan served as the lead pastor of Heartland Community, a church of approximately 3,500 in the Kansas City area. In addition, Dan has been a keynote and commencement speaker, trade show panelist, conference host, podcast, radio and TV guest, and he gives a mean pre-game speech. Dan is married to Elise and together they have three brave daughters– one who is adopted and all who are awesome.

Speaker Location

Kansas City, Missouri

Primary Speaking Themes

– How to nurture your adopted daughter from emotional detachment to secure attachment
– How to handle three babies in 14 months
– How to respond to, “Now that they’re having one of their ‘own’, they won’t go through with the adoption.”
– The powerful picture of adoption found in the Bible

Articles by Dan

Our Journey to Mia Grace

Additional Notes

I currently have no travel limit, but preferred would be two weekends/trips a month.
Honorarium varies and depends upon many factors, of course, but would begin at approximately $1500+ especially if the opportunity is out of town.

Speaker Inquiry Email

[email protected]

Seth Powell

Mission Bolivia

Seth Powell

Mission Bolivia http://www.missionbolivia.org/

Seth Powell was raised by a single mom, and had to overcome great obstacles during his childhood, from abuse and poverty to depression and suicide. During the lowest moment of his teen years, a youth leader began to invest in and disciple him. God took Seth on a path that included leadership, discipleship, and spiritual growth and maturity. He worked as a school teacher and church leader for years before moving to Bolivia to serve as a missionary. Now he is an associate pastor and speaker.

Speaker Location

Birmingham, AL

Primary Speaking Themes

– Missions
– Adoption
– Family
– Grief/Loss
– Suicide
– Parenting
– Discipleship
– Orphan Care
– Parenting Children with Trauma
– Building Support Systems

Articles by Seth

Finding Purpose in Cochabamba Bolivia

Chosen b4 Life Blog

Following the Call of God

Jacqui Jackson

Ignite Hope

Jacqui Jackson

Ignite Hope https://www.ignitehope.online/

Jacqui Jackson is a former foster kid, an international adoptee from South America, and a grateful mommy to a tribe of heart babies and belly babies alike. Her passion for adoption and fostering stems from the legacy that God has given her to steward for His glory, and she is relentless about encouraging and equipping others to walk their own orphan care journeys.

Speaker Location

Marietta, GA

Primary Speaking Themes

– Adoptee
– Adoptive Mom
– Strategic Prayer
– Mommy Encouragement
– Language of Foster Care/Adoption
– Honoring the first family
– Family Forest: Not just Family Tree

Articles by Jacqui

Inalienable Rights and a Call to Action

We Are Ignite Hope: A Seasoned Mama

National Adoption Month and Me

Eric Porter

Backyard Orphans

Eric Porter

Backyard Orphans http://backyardorphans.org

Rev. Eric Porter, Founder/President of Backyard Orphans, graduated college with a B.A. in Biblical Studies. He spent 12 years as a local church pastor and for the past 6 years, he has been an orphan care US missionary.

His team’s mission is to train Church leaders to develop a foster care, adoption, and support ministry. They have seen over 400 hurting children placed in healing home over the past 4 years.

He has been married to Trisha Porter for over 18 years, father of 4, and a foster dad.

Speaker Location

Dallas, TX

Speaking Themes

-Foster Care
-Adoption
-Church Based Orphan Care
-Missions
-Youth Ministry

Links to Previous Speaking

https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/8-backyard-orphans-with-eric-porter/id1340895033?i=1000403953403&mt=2

https://www.facebook.com/7citychurch/videos/1440561489388100/

Rhonda Littleton

A Home For Me Foster Care and Adoption Network

Rhonda Littleton

A Home For Me Foster Care and Adoption Network http://www.ahomeforme.sc

Serve as the Executive Director of A Home For Me – Foster Care and Adoption Support Network. The focus is ministering to biological families, foster care and adoptive families in post placement support. Providing support for child welfare professionals. Passionate about providing hope , healing and encouragement to the vulnerable and those who care for them.

Speaker Location

Summerville, SC

Primary Speaking Themes

– Working with Kids from hard places
– The Importance of Brain Development
– Encouragement and Empowerment
– H.E.L.P – ChildWelfare Professional Encouragement

Alex Lyons

Team Lyons

Alex Lyons

Team Lyons http://www.teamlyons.org

Alex spent thirteen years of his childhood in state care in more than fifteen placements. Upon aging out, started to advocate for children in and aging out of state care, serving most recently with the Foster Care Alumni of America.

Alex’s heart for storytelling has led to him becoming a six-time Telly award winning documentary filmmaker in Africa, the U.S., and Asia where he served as a missionary in the Philippines.

Currently, Alex lives outside of Nashville, TN with his wife and two kids.

Speaker Location

Nashville, TN

Speaking Themes

– Life in foster care/residential care
– Aging out of foster care
– Jesus the foster kid, Joseph the foster dad
– Biological/foster family relations
– Equipping the church to minster to kids in care
– Helping foster alumni tell their stories

Links to Previous Speaking

Video #1

Video #2

Video #3

Video #4

Video #5

Video #6

Other Notes

If possible, I would love to bring my wife and two toddlers to my speaking arrangements.
If possible, a love offering would be greatly appreciated.

Katie Finklea

Loving Well Living Well

Katie Finklea

Loving Well Living Well https://lovingwelllivingwell.com/

Proverbs 31:8

“Speak out on behalf of the voiceless, and for the rights of all who are vulnerable.”

Katie is the founder of Loving Well Living Well, an adoption/foster care advocacy platform geared toward educating believers in their role in orphan care. She is also a foster mom, adoptive mom, biological mom and passionate for orphan care and promoting the Church’s role in meeting the needs of vulnerable children. Katie has also worked with birth mothers pre and post placement.

Additional Resources

Be A Foster Parent or Be the Village

10 Truths and Realities of Transracial Adoption

Video #1

Video #2

Speaker Location

Tampa, Florida

Travel Notes

Katie is willing to travel.

Speaking Themes

– Combating orphan care apathy and disengagement in the church

– Be a Foster Parent or Be the Village

– Helping a child embrace their story

– Do’s and Don’ts as an adoptive parent

– Orphan care is not a calling, it is a commandment

– Finding adoption resources and support in your everyday life for your family

– Marriage and Orphan care

Other Notes

Katie founded Loving Well Living Well as a platform for adoption and foster care advocacy. She saw a gap of misconceptions and apathy among the church body which was the catalyst to form a platform of education to educate believers. Katie writes and speaks about myths, transracial adoption, and trauma in children, birth mother advocacy, open adoption, and various topics on adoption /foster care topics. You can find Loving Well Living Well in Instagram, Facebook and also follow her blog on LovingWellLivingWell.com

Email Katie

Tony Mitchell

CEO, Founder - tmLeadership, LLC

Tony Mitchell

CEO, Founder - tmLeadership, LLC http://tmleadership.com

Tony Mitchell has served in leadership roles including President, COO, CFO, and CIO of several corporations. Today, he applies these experiences as Chief Operations Officer for the Christian Alliance for Orphans.

After being placed in foster care as newborn, Tony lived in the foster care system for two years before being adopted by a caring family. Raised in a loving but impoverished home, he became the first and only person in his family to attend and graduate from college, with honors. He went on to navigate a successful 30-year business career serving at corporations ranging from $2 million to $2 billion in revenue in industries including, public accounting, technology, investment, outsourced services, and pharmaceutical manufacturing.

Tony has served as a nonprofit board member, an independent corporate board member, a national speaker, and a strategic advisor — using his considerable experience to help organizations and leaders build stronger organizations and foster more purposeful leadership.

As a speaker, Tony has appeared at business conferences, executive panels, and faith-based events. He and his wife, Venita, serve as speakers at FamilyLife’s Weekend to Remember® marriage conferences. Venita has worked in both public and private accounting, served as Women’s Ministries Director, and is a board member, speaker, and mentor. Tony and Venita have two adult children and reside in Atlanta, Georgia.

Speaker Location

Atlanta, GA

Additional Resources

https://vimeo.com/178849608/9237e6bb80

Travel Info

Speaker is willing to travel.

Speaking Themes

As an adult adoptee:
• Encouraging parents and caregivers of adopted children
• Inspiring foster, adopted and vulnerable children
• Other business themes (see website)

E-mail Tony

JT Olson

Founder, Author & Executive Director of Both Hands

JT Olson

Founder, Author & Executive Director of Both Hands http://www.bothhandsbook.com/

After being orphaned as a child alongside his four siblings, JT Olson went on to start a faith-based non-profit serving orphans and widows. Olson’s personal tragedy gave him an overwhelming understanding of the need to find loving homes for the world’s orphaned children and inspired his family’s life-altering decision to adopt a little girl from China. His powerful story shows God’s transformation of pain into passion, the joy found through adoption and the value of every life.

Speaker Location

Nashville, TN

Travel Notes

JT is going to be on a 10-city book tour from February thru April 2017, but there is potential flexibility in his schedule if a speaking engagement arises with plenty of notice. Speaking and travel fees are handled on a case by case basis. Please contact [email protected] for more information.

Speaking Themes

The Both Hands Story of God’s transformation of pain into passion. Advocating the value and sanctity of life. Coaching leaders on building a healthy organization and encouraging entrepreneurs. Advice for couples on growing a healthy marriage.

Links to Previous Speaking



https://vimeo.com/49870537


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5wjb6IudQM0&feature=youtu.be

Links to Key Articles

Belinda Hogstrom

Foster Parent, Orphan Connections

Belinda Hogstrom

Foster Parent, Orphan Connections http://www.orphanconnections.org/

Belinda and her husband Matt have been foster parents since 1995, and have had the privilege of caring for more than 60 children in their home. They have 4 adopted children, ranging in age from 7 to 20. Belinda and Matt are the leaders of Orphan Connections, a regional CAFO alliance whose goal is “connecting children with families, and connecting families with the love of God.” Belinda loves to speak and blog about her foster care journey at http://psalm1139mama.blogspot.com.

Speaker Location

Raleigh, NC

Travel Notes

Yes – willing to travel!

Speaking Themes

  • foster care
  • foster-adoption
  • special needs/medically fragile
  • shared parenting

Isabel Hunt

President, Arrow Child & Family Ministries and Embrace Me! Family Services

Isabel Hunt

President, Arrow Child & Family Ministries and Embrace Me! Family Services http://www.embraceme-family.com/

Facing 10 years of infertility was the catalyst that sent her on her journey to adoption of an 8 year old girl and a 5 day old boy through miraculous placements – only to become pregnant after adopting! She began an Infertility Support Group which led to an Adoption Ministry which included Fostering. She began a Ministry at her church, became the President of a nonprofit, opened up an LLC, works for a fos/adopt agency. Her sons won Community Hero for mobilizing the community to foster/adopt.

Speaker Location

Rancho Cucamonga, CA

Travel Notes

My husband and I could travel together, I could travel alone or my two adopted children (ages 19 and 31) are gifted speakers. My 19 year old son spoke for the State of CA Foster Parents Association Conference in October of 2015.

Speaking Themes

  • Mobilizing Churches!
  • Adoption is an Option
  • Heartborn Son
  • The Storm of Infertility – My mourning into dancing:)
  • They Call Me “Mom” – mentoring youth
  • Do Something, Foster Care & Tori’s Torch
  • Supervised Visitation Monitoring
  • Family Preservation

Previous Speaking

Cucamonga Christian Fellowship Church with Assembly Member Marc Steinorth

City Council of Montclair for Child Abuse Prevention Month – Watch Video

Kim Botto

Crossroads Church, Director of Kids' Club and Student Ministry

Kim Botto

Crossroads Church, Director of Kids' Club and Student Ministry http://www.crossroadskidsclub.net

Mom of 5. Two daughters were adopted as older children (10 and 15). Also leads kids and student ministry at fastest growing (Outreach Mag) church and 9th largest church in US. Realizing parents feel very alone while parenting kids with unique challenges, started support groups for adoptive and foster parents at church. Over 600 parents participate in a number of groups. Thru volunteer training, Crossroads is now known as place for kids who may not fit in or be welcome elsewhere.

Speaker Location

Cincinnati, OH

Travel Notes

I’m free 🙂 I can travel some, but prefer within a few hours of Cincinnati. I live in Northern KY.

Speaking Themes

Caring for the fatherless thru the church and supporting parents; Audience can be either the local church or parents; For churches, focus is on welcoming and caring for kids from hard places and their parents by training volunteers.

Previous Speaking

Kim Video 1 (starts at 12 minutes): This was first time sharing story to whole church. Through this, the adoption/foster parent support group was started as so many families came up after service saying how alone and isolated they were. This was several years ago – so the content has changed over years and focuses more on practical ideas for parents and kids, as well as churches.

Kim Video 2: “What Teenagers Taught Me at Summer Camp”

Michelle Vernon

BrightPoint for Children

Michelle Vernon

BrightPoint for Children http://www.brightpointforchildren.org

Having spent the last decade advocating for older and special needs orphans, Michelle’s passion lies in creating awareness that inspires action. Using a decade’s worth of personal stories from her travels into orphanages in five countries, she personalizes orphan ministry for her audience. A self-proclaimed accidental advocate, a short term mission trip to China in 2006 parlayed her into orphan ministry and was the catalyst to eventually becoming the adoptive mom of four older children.

Speaking Themes

Older child & special needs adoption, Connecting locally w/ children stalled in the system, Orphan hosting, Establishing orphan care in the church, Advocating for forgotten children, Advocacy via social media , Women’s ministry, Missions, Worship

Speaker Location

Georgia

Additional Resources

Rob Mitchell

Author, Businessman, Former Orphan / Castaway Kid

Rob Mitchell

Author, Businessman, Former Orphan / Castaway Kid http://www.castawaykid.com/

Author of Focus on the Family book: Castaway Kid. Published in English, Spanish, German, Portuguese-Brazil, Danish and soon Chinese. Passionate for the orphan, foster care kid as I once was. Recognized as on of America’s Top Financial Advisors.

Additional Resources

Speaking Video 1

Speaking Video 2

Speaker Location

Greensboro, NC

Travel

I advise to over $200 million in individual investments, but have a team that totally supports this ministry. I can travel to wherever in the world as long as I have electricity. I ask for coach airfare and will upgrade to first class at my expense. 1-2 nights at a Marriott of my choice and 2 dinners. I will gift copies of my book, Castaway Kid, at my expense. My honorarium varies according to whether or not I am part of a fund raiser.

Speaking Themes

Abandoned at age 3, stuffed in an orphanage for 14 years, homeless at age 17, I am the voice of the inside out. I am the face of the person you believe those you are trying to reach can become, with the help of Jesus Christ and caring adults.

Rebecca Pratt

President - Orphan Relief and Rescue

Rebecca Pratt

President - Orphan Relief and Rescue http://www.orphanreliefandrescue.org

Rebecca is the President and co-founder of the non-profit called Orphan Relief and Rescue, founded in 2007. She and her husband Tim, of twenty-seven years have invested more than seventeen years in mission work in both Central America and West Africa. She and her husband have rescued hundreds of children from becoming trafficked and abused in Benin and Liberia West Africa. She has written a book called Inspired to Action, How following the promptings of your heart can change the world.

Additional Resources

Listening to Rebecca Pratt share stories about how God led her to the children of Africa is like receiving water on dry ground – refreshing to the soul! Her words, her life, her heart, are an inspiration. – Patricia Forney, Women’s ministry Christian Community Fellowship

Rebecca demonstrates a strong commitment to show love and to give quality care to the many children in her sphere of influence. This same excellence in ministry is clearly communicated through her public speaking capabilities. I would recommend her highly as an inspirational and motivational speaker for any group.
-David O’Connor,CFRE Five Oaks Consulting

After reading Rebecca’s amazing story, I feel deeply moved. It makes me genuinely wonder what more I could be doing with my gifts, talents and blessings to the glory of God. Very touching. A call to action for me. I thank God for Rebecca. Now I need to do something.
Ben Malor, Chief Executive Producer, United Nations Radio, NY

Speaker Location

Seattle, WA

Speaking Themes

How to live an empowered life in partnership with God; Getting divine direction/Hearing God’s voice; Child trafficking and abuse awareness; How to do effective missions abroad; Prayers that change the world; Living supernaturally in a natural way.

Diego Fuller

Artist & Speaker, B.I.G. Records

Diego Fuller

Artist & Speaker, B.I.G. Records http://www.iamdiego.org/

Diego’s past is something you would see in a movie, something so unspeakable, but terribly true. He was a troubled kid that grew up without his parents, both of them were in jail. He was molested at eight years old & neglected by his father’s side of the family. One day, they packed all of his clothes up while he was at school, and when he got home they drove to the CPS office and dropped Diego off and left. Diego’s life was changed when he was Engrafted into Aaron Blake’s home.

Additional Resources

Speaking on Engrafted

Engrafted Video

Testimony, Spoken Word

Speaker Location

Arlington, TX

Travel Notes

I’m so blessed and honored that I was Engrafted into a forever family and it changed my life to allow me to do what I’m doing all around the county. So I have made it my mission and goal to make sure we get every Orphan and foster child to a forever family.

Speaking Themes

Recruit families and churches to the orphan care ministry an equip them by walking them through our best practices to accept the calling of orphan care. Share my testimony through the music gift God has giving me.

Alex Krutov

Co-Founder & Development Director of the Harbor - Orphanos/Harbor

Alex Krutov

Co-Founder & Development Director of the Harbor - Orphanos/Harbor http://www.theharborspb.org

Became an orphan at the age of 3 days old. Raised in the Soviet orphanage state system. Been adopted by the Russian family at the age of 10. Failed adoption due to alcohol and physical abuse. Lived on the streets for two years. Went through mental institution and juvenile delinquent home. Attempted to commit suicide. Found the Lord at the age of 16 thanks to American missionaries after the collapse of the Soviet Union. In 1998 was called by God to minister to the orphans in Russia.

Speaker Location

Columbus, OH

Speaking Themes

Orphan care, transitional care for aged out orphans, foreign adoption consultant, author of Infinitely More an autobiography of how I was raised in the Soviet orphanage state system for 18 years.

W.C. Martin

Bennett Chapel Ministry

W.C. Martin

Bennett Chapel Ministry http://www.bcministry.org

Bishop W.C. Martin is the Pastor of Bennett Chapel Baptist Church in Possum Trot, TX. In 1997,he and his wife Donna adopted two children and began a miraculous adventure that has become one of the premier adoption stories in America. Bishop W.C. Martin is the Founder of Saving a Generation Ministry, Inc. and is also the author of “Small Town, Big Miracle”. Bishop is the husband of Donna, and father of 2 biological children & 4 adoptive- Princeton, La’Donna, Terri, Mercedes, Joshua, and Tyler.

Additional Resources

You’ve seen Bishop Martin on Oprah, Dateline NBC, Good Morning America, The 700 Club, TBN, and 48 hours just to name a few places where Martin’s miraculous story has been told. Bishop travels nationally providing numerous keynotes, concurrent sessions, and seminars on topics pertaining to Adoption & Fostering, Encouraging Neglected & Abused Children, Community Building and many other topics geared to impact lives. Bishop has been featured in many news articles and certainly has a growing reputation.

Speaker Location

Center, TX

Speaking Themes

Adoption & Foster Care; The State of the Church; The Church of Today and the Future; The Essence of Fatherhood; Building a Faith Based Community; Building a Faith Based Organizations; Minority Empowerment; Minority Adoption

Esther Fleece

Author & Speaker - L&L Consulting

Esther Fleece

Author & Speaker - L&L Consulting http://www.EstherFleece.com

Esther is recognized as a trailblazer among millennials, working for a decade to connect influential individuals and organizations across generations to their mutual benefit. It is through the tragedies and triumphs of her own life – some of which she has shared as a highly sought-after international speaker – that she has established authority and authenticity with people from all walks of life. Esther’s first book, No More Faking Fine (Zondervan) will share her personal story in greater depth.

Additional Resources

CNN has called Fleece one of “Five Women to Watch in Religion,” USA Today has named her one of the “New Faces of Evangelicalism” and Christianity Today and Outreach magazine have also singled her out for her high-profile work. Her insights into the experiences and aspirations of millennials have appeared in The Washington Post, CNN as well as in Barna Research President David Kinnaman’s book You Lost Me: Why Young Christians are Leaving Church and Rethinking Faith.

Travel Notes

Travel and accommodations for 2 people plus honorarium.

Speaking Themes

Upcoming book (January, 2017, Zondervan) deals with the theology of lament. How disappointments with God (frustrations, pain & suffering) can birth intimacy with the Creator. Can speak on permission to be in pain, and how to turn pain into praise.

Matt Hogstrom

Colonial Baptist Church Ministry Leader and Foster Dad

Matt Hogstrom

Colonial Baptist Church Ministry Leader and Foster Dad http://www.orphanconnections.org

Matt has been a foster parent for more than 20 years, and he has been “Papa” to more than 60 kids., many of them with significant special needs. He and his wife have 4 adopted children. He is an executive at IBM.

He is the leader of Orphan Connections., a ministry of his local church. He is a gifted speaker and is passionate about promoting awareness of the plight of orphaned and vulnerable children.

Speaker Location

Raleigh, NC

Travel Notes

Each invitation will be considered on an individual basis.

Speaking Themes

Orphan Care, Foster Care, Adoption and Engaging the Church

Philip Darke

President - Providence World

Philip Darke

President - Providence World http://phildarke.com/

Phil Darke, his wife Becca, and their five children, live in Folsom, CA. Phil received his Juris Doctor Degree from Vanderbilt University School of Law and his B.A. Degree in Rhetoric and Communications from U.C. Davis. Before joining Providence on a full-time basis in October 2008, Phil worked as an attorney with different firms in Sacramento, CA, and Atlanta, GA, and as a clerk for a federal judge in Honolulu, HI. Phil is the co-author and editor of “In Pursuit of Orphan Excellence,” a call for excellence and conversations about best practices in global orphan care.

Additional Resources

Speaking Audio 1

“Bringing Family to the Unadopted” Article

Speaker Location

Folsom, CA

Travel Notes

I ask the requesting party to cover my travel expenses (airfare, mileage, car rental, food, lodging, etc.) and make a donation to Providence World in an appropriate amount, depending on the engagement.

Speaking Themes

Best Practices and Excellence in OVC care, particularly in family-based orphan care communities; Why everyone should care about orphaned and vulnerable children.

Tom Lukasik

VP of Community Engagement - 4KIDS

Tom Lukasik

VP of Community Engagement - 4KIDS http://www.4kidsofsfl.org

Tom Lukasik and his wife Linda have fostered more than 50 children since 1994. Tom served on numerous Boards including the Florida Governor’s Faith-based Advisory Council and served as the Chairman for three years. In 2013, Tom and Linda were selected as Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute’s (CCAI) Angel in Adoption™. Tom has spoken at churches throughout the country, and the White House. Tom’s life-long goal is to bring the Church together to be there for foster children.

Additional Resources

Previous Speaking Video 1

Previous Speaking Video 2

More about Tom

Speaker Location

Fort Lauderdale, FL

Travel Notes

Tom does receive a speaker fee and is willing to work within your program’s budget, including reasonable travel expenses.

Speaking Themes

Biblical Mandate for the Modern Day Orphan, Foster Care, Bringing the Church together to minister to the orphan, Church State Relationships, Being there, Orphan Care.

Eric Millis

President - Faces With Names

Eric Millis

President - Faces With Names http://www.faceswithnames.org

Eric and Susan Mills are the co-founders of Faces With Names. This ministry to care for orphans can be traced back to the initial call Susan felt to adopt in 2001. As a result of their adoption journey, Eric’s role as an Outreach Pastor, where he had the opportunity to work directly with those serving orphans in China, Burma, Nepal, Zambia and Swaziland, and the start of an orphan care ministry at their church, God began to stir their hearts toward a greater role in the orphan care movement.

Additional Resources

Speaking Video

Blog Articles

Article

Speaker Location

Bartlesville, OK

Travel Notes

See Here

Speaking Themes

Orphan Care as Outreach, Positioning Your Church to Care for Orphans and Vulnerable Kids, Building Systems of Support for Adoptive and Foster Families, The Joys and Challenges of the Adoption and Foster Care Journey, God’s Heart for the Fatherless

Steve Gillis

Patch Our Planet

Steve Gillis

Patch Our Planet http://patchourplanet.org

After being on staff in the local church for 11 years, I realized that I was a pastor who had no idea how the church could practically address the orphan crisis. In 2010, I started Patch Our Planet to unite church leaders and orphan advocates by customizing long-term orphan care strategies under each church’s vision.

My past experience is a beautiful mosaic of God’s grace along the journey. I served as Road Pastor/World Vision Representative to the Christian Band, Newsong, for three years. My wife and I lived in Argentina early in our marriage. And I spent 11 years of my life pastoring college/singles in the local church and leading yearly mission trips in several countries during that time. In 2010, I started Patch Our Planet. The following year, I was asked to serve on the White House’s International Adoption Panel. Since then, we’ve been equipping the local church and making our orphan care curriculum available online so that every church in every community can make a lasting difference in the orphan crisis. I’ve been married for 16 years to the love of my life. We have two children, one with special needs.

Additional Resources

Audio/Video:

https://vimeo.com/103424930

Community Perspectives

https://vimeo.com/103918040

The Father Heart of God

Articles:

Forging Ahead International Adoption

Invisible Dad Starts Organization for Orphans

What’s Happening in Buffalo

Speaker Location

Placida, FL

Travel Notes

We pray through every opportunity and consider each invitation a privilege. We do not set a standard honorarium charge. Our heart is to serve the local church.

Speaking Themes

Orphan Care and The Church, The Church’s Role in Orphan Care, Awakening the Sleeping Giant and Is the Church Running from Suffering?

Ryan North

Tapestry

Ryan North

Tapestry http://tapestryministry.org/

Ryan serves as the Executive Director of Tapestry, the adoption & foster care ministry of Irving Bible Church. He and his wife Kayla have six children, two biological and four adopted through foster care. He writes and speaks on adoption and foster care issues as well as the joys and challenges of leading a Christian ministry. He is an Empowered to Connect parent trainer and is a contributing writer to Empowered to Connect, Tapestry, and One Big Happy Home as well as writing for his own blog (The Ryan Blog). He lives in Dallas/Fort Worth with his family and three dogs.

Additional Resources

Audio/Video:

Why Birth Families Matter
Fostering Discipline
Holistic Discipline: Parenting the Whole Child
Building Church Ministries (CAFO 2015)

Articles:

Repair Your Mistakes: Apologize to Your Kids
The Wounds You Don’t See
Why Can’t You Just Move On?
What About Gratitude?
What do you do?

Speaker Location

Travel Notes

I will arrange travel, lodging and honorarium details with the event coordinator. All speaking requests and event details should be sent to [email protected].

Speaking Themes

Empowered to Connect, Trust-Based Parenting, Ministry Leadership, Adoption, Foster Care, Ministry Staff Training and Parent Training.

Kelly Rosati

Vice President, Community Outreach - Focus on the Family

Kelly Rosati

Vice President, Community Outreach - Focus on the Family http://www.iCareAboutOrphans.org

Kelly M. Rosati is the Vice President of Community Outreach at Focus on the Family where she oversees the Adoption & Orphan Care Initiative. She frequently speaks for Focus on the sanctity of human life and adoption related topics in the media and through Focus’ communication channels. An attorney by training, Mrs. Rosati was the Executive Director of Hawaii Family Forum for 10 years where she advocated for Hawaii’s children and families in the legislature and media.

Mrs. Rosati received her undergraduate degree in 1990 from Marquette University in Milwaukee, WI. In 1993, she graduated cum laude from the University of Nebraska College of Law.

She has been married to John for 17 years and they were blessed to adopt all four of their children from the foster care system.

Additional Resources

Radio Broadcast Bio

http://youtu.be/vYrwMNCs0_Q

Wrapping Around Adoptive Families

Finally Home

Speaker Location

Colorado

Travel Notes

Travel is possible when not conflicting with other travel dates.

Speaking Themes

The realities of adoption and the challenges families can face; The importance of church support (wrapping around adoptive families); What it really means to be pro-life

Katie Overstreet

Program Director, Adoption & Orphan Care - Focus on the Family

Katie Overstreet

Program Director, Adoption & Orphan Care - Focus on the Family http://www.iCareAboutOrphans.org

Katie Overstreet serves as the program director for the Adoption & Orphan Care Initiative at Focus on the Family. The program’s primary objectives are to raise awareness of and recruit families for waiting kids in foster care, as well as provide post-placement resources for adoptive families. In her role, Katie is able to live out her passion for helping children as she oversees implementation of these efforts.

Through Focus’ Wait No More conferences, Katie has had the privilege of working with orphan advocates nationwide to motivate believers to take action on behalf of orphans and vulnerable children globally. To date, nearly 2,000 families have started the process of adoption from foster care.

Katie often speaks on adoption and orphan-care-related topics at conferences throughout the country, including the Life & Justice Conference, The Christian Alliance for Orphans Summit and several local church events.

Katie graduated from Indiana Wesleyan University. She and her husband, Cooper, live in Colorado Springs, CO.

Additional Resources

Wait No More Episode

Adoption from All Angles Episode

Adoption Children

Adoption Options

Adoption From Foster Care

Preparing for Adoption

Adoption: What Helps and What Doesn’t

Speaker’s Location

Colorado Springs, CO

Travel Notes

Travel is possible.

Speaking Themes

Engaging with the foster care system – what it means for families, churches, and communities; Wrapping around adoptive families; Information for young adults about how to engage now and talking about the future early

Aaron Klein

Hope Takes Root Founder - Lifesong for Orphans Ethiopia Board Member

Aaron Klein

Hope Takes Root Founder - Lifesong for Orphans Ethiopia Board Member http://aaronklein.com

Aaron Klein is the co-founder and CEO of Riskalyze, a financial technology startup. He’s also been elected to three terms as a Sierra College Trustee, and advocates for adoption and ending the global orphan crisis as a co-founder of Hope Takes Root. Most importantly, he’s a husband and a father who believes in Isaiah 1:17’s radical mandate for changing the world.

In 2010, Aaron and his wife, Cacey, helped to found Hope Takes Root, a local effort to build a revolutionary community to foster, care and adopt orphans both at home and around the world.

Hope Takes Root is helping families learn how to plan and finance adoptions, coordinate support during and after adoption via small groups and wraparound families, make a difference in orphan prevention and orphan care projects overseas, and reform public policy to promote permanency for children in the foster care system.

Additional Resources

Meet Aaron

Adoption Articles

Speaker Location

Sacramento, CA

Travel Notes

No honorarium needed. Only need reimbursement for actual travel expenses.

Speaking Themes

Financing adoption; Beyond orphan care: building a self-sustainable future in the developing world

Mark Barret

Executive Director - Parental Care Ministries USA

Mark Barret

Executive Director - Parental Care Ministries USA http://www.pcmonline.org

Mark and Monica have an incredible story about how God took an ordinary pediatrician and his family and showed how He can use them to bless so many more lives if they would just listen and follow His call. Beginning with a family trip to Uganda, the Barrets were able to see firsthand the work of Pastor Emmy and Supermom and their single school of 120 children and 2 dozen churches. In May of 2008 the Barrets founded PCM USA and began to be a voice, one opportunity at a time, for needy children and pastors. Today, PCM oversees 7 schools with 1200+ children as well as a network of 50+ churches. Mark serves as Executive Director in the USA and enjoys speaking about the struggles and joys of starting a nonprofit ministry, finding your calling from the Lord, what “going all in for Him” looks like, and how to work a full time job and be in full time ministry. Monica is a prayer warrior and a gifted teacher who speaks to various churches, women and children’s groups about many topics including obedience, prayer, the Holy Spirit and just about anything related to her best friend, Jesus.

Additional Resources

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KB4IpoaAeWY]

Speaker Location

Tyler, TX

Speaking Themes

Stepping out in faith when God calls; How can a doctor in Texas also head up a nonprofit ministry to orphans in Uganda?

Bruce Kendrick

Director of Outreach, Ordained Pastor - Embrace Texas

Bruce Kendrick

Director of Outreach, Ordained Pastor - Embrace Texas http://www.embracetexas.org

My wife, Denise, and I became foster parents at the age of 21, and in the past ten years have fostered 30 children. We never planned to adopt as we had 3 biological children, but God has a funny way of working in us when we make ourselves available. So we now have 8 total children…a 20 year-old who spent 9 years in foster care and has made us grandparents, a 16 year-old from Ethiopia who we adopted after two prior adoptions broke down, our 10, 8 and 7 year old biological kids, and our youngest three lovingly called the ninos at ages 6, 5 and 4.

I entered vocational ministry as a student pastor when I was 19, and in 2009, my wife and I became full-time missionaries with Embrace submitting to God’s call on our lives to serve orphans and waiting children, families and the Church.

Additional Resources

https://vimeo.com/31822647

A promotional ad for Buckner Children and Family Services highlighting the Kendrick family

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aMLWKQ-1hbI

Speaker Location

Dallas, TX

Notes

In 2012, Embrace was awarded the North American Council on Adoption’s Child Advocate of the Year in Washington, DC. Embrace leads the Dallas-Ft. Worth Alliance of Foster Care and Adoption Ministries and a member of the Texas Child Protection Roundtable.

Speaking Themes

Adoption theology, the gospel’s implications to the fatherless and the church, meaningful orphan care ministry consulting, older child adoption, marriage and parenting issues, disruption and dissolution-why adoptions fail and our hope for healthy families, and grandparenting in your 30’s.

Jason Lancaster

Senior Pastor - Evanston Bible Fellowship

Jason Lancaster

Senior Pastor - Evanston Bible Fellowship http://www.ebfchurch.org

Jason Lancaster is the Senior Pastor of Evanston Bible Fellowship, a Gospel Centered urban church in the Chicago area. He is married with six kids and is passionate about the Body of Christ stepping up to care for orphans not motivated out of guilt but by the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Over the years he has been involved in encouraging others to adopt through his preaching and personal interactions. Jason has four biological children, one adopted child, one foster child and in the process of pursuing a special needs adoption.

Additional Resources

Messages can be heard HERE:

Adoption: Vertical and Horizontal – June 10, 2010

The Gospel Motivates Compassion – May 29, 2011

Leveraging Your Life for Gospel Compassion – October 16, 2011

Speaking on adoption at Fall District Conference of the Evangelical Free Church – Audio not yet available.

Speaker Location

Chicago, IL

Speaking Themes

Gospel Centered Adoption (Theological and Biblical explanations of Adoption and Caring for Orphans), Motivating Men to Adopt, Setting the Church on a Trajectory of Orphan Care and Adoption, Personal testimony of unlikely journey through domestic, international, special needs and foster care adoption.

Darren Lewis

Director - Mission 1:27

Darren Lewis

Director - Mission 1:27 http://mission127.com

I hold a BA in Biblical Studies and an MA in History. I have been an Ordained minister with the Assemblies of God for 10 years. My wife and I serves as the directors of Mission 1:27 and the Kentucky Orphan Commission.

Additional Resources

Blog

Speaker Location

Louisville, KY

Travel Notes

I would be willing to travel as long as travel expenses are covered.

Speaking Themes

I am happy to speak on international adoption, domestic adoption, foster care, orphan care, and what the Bible has to say about adoption.

Don Ballard

Chief Church Relations Officer - Arrow Child and Family Ministry

Don Ballard

Chief Church Relations Officer - Arrow Child and Family Ministry

Don has earned his DMin in Pastoral Theology with 15 years full time Christian Ministry experience, international ministry experience. Has experience as an Urban missionary and Pro life advocate.

Additional Resources

Former pastorate with video archives

Speaker Location

Houston, TX

Speaking Themes

World Mission Outreach, adoption, child rescue, graceful ministry.

Alan Hunt

Vice President of Advocacy - World Orphans

Alan Hunt

Vice President of Advocacy - World Orphans http://worldorphans.org

My name is Alan Hunt. I serve as Vice President of Church Partnerships and Advocacy for the global ministry of World Orphans. After 32 years in the auto parts industry and years of preparation for missions, I left my corporate job and entered into full time ministry in 2007. Since then I have been blessed to recruit, equip, encourage, train, mobilize and lead individuals and churches into orphan care ministry. World Orphans has 54 projects in 18 countries. Currently 47 of our International projects have U.S. Church partners.

Additional Resources

Spoken at CAFO Summits & Together 4 Adoption Conference

Speaker Location

Castle Rock, CO

Travel Notes

Travel expenses required but happy to stay with host families and participate in other cost saving measures.

Speaking Themes

Orphan Care through International Church Partnerships, Best Practices for Church to Church Partnerships, The Mega Issue of Orphans, Why the Church, Starting an Orphan Advocacy Team, Becoming a Rescue Partner, The Global numbers are staggering – What can I do?

Glenn Garvin

Former Vice President - Royal Family KIDS

Glenn Garvin

Former Vice President - Royal Family KIDS http://www.hopebroker.com

Most family trees are pictured as mighty oaks, but Glenn refers to his as a cactus. It’s easy to see why Glenn — with two moms and three dads — describes his background this way. Glenn hasn’t seen his birth mother since the day he was born. His birth father was a chaotic presence, in and out of rehab recovering from addictions. His adoptive father, an alcoholic, committed suicide when Glenn was twelve. His adoptive mother’s fear of living alone made way for “Psychopath Ben,” Glenn’s controlling stepfather. Though Glenn’s family didn’t provide him with much hope for the future, everything changed when Glenn, as a teenager, made the decision to follow Christ.

God has redefined Glenn’s understanding of “family”— demonstrating His fatherly love through positive examples of husbands and fathers in the Church. It took five adults to mess up his life, but only one Jesus to transform it!

The fruit born of this transformation is extraordinary. Glenn and his wife, Robin, have been married for 29 years and blessed with three children: David (25) and his wife Ally, Matthew (23), and Janae (20). After establishing and directing the second Royal Family KIDS Camp, Glenn serves today as Vice President of Camps for Royal Family KIDS. He considers his job — challenging adults to give of their time, talent, and treasure on behalf of the fatherless — as that of a “hopebroker.” Just as some folks buy and sell stocks, he makes transactions of hope using the currency of God’s love.

Additional Resources

Hope Broker – Speaking Engagements

Rhonda’s Radio Show

Travel Notes

If churches could cover travel & hotel that would be extremely helpful. However, since we have camps, clubs and mentor-groups all over the United States other arrangements can be discussed.

Speaking Themes

Moments Matter, Thriving out of abuse – Getting Well, Breaking the cycle, Fatherless Issues, The church and child abuse

Jonathan Goode

Managing Director - Unthinkable

Jonathan Goode

Managing Director - Unthinkable http://beunthinkable.org

Jonathan leads the creative entity known as Unthinkable. He views as himself as a bridesmaid for the Bride of Christ. His greatest hope is that the Church, which has the greatest potential to bring true glory to Jesus, will be a more glorious body as a result of God’s work through his life.

He lives in Homewood, AL (a small town in the Birmingham area) and will marry his fiancée Ashley Hester in November.

Speaker Location

Birmingham, AL

Speaking Themes

1. God proved through Jesus that he cares for the orphan. In seeking to be like him, we are called to do the same. 2. PRAY BIG: Asking like you think the all-powerful God is listening. 3. Love God. Love People. Utilizing the Greatest Commandment to fulfill.

John Fuller

Vice President - Focus on the Family

John Fuller

Vice President - Focus on the Family http://johnfullerblog.com

John is probably best known as the co-host of the popular Focus on the Family daily radio broadcast, heard around the world by millions. He and his wife, Dena, happily married since 1984, and already parents to five biological children, became orphan care advocates and adoptive parents of a special boy from Russia in 2004.

John is passionate about family, and about God’s redemptive work in life. He has spoken internationally, authored “First Time Dad” (published by Moody Publishing, been interviewed by hundreds of radio stations, and written numerous published articles.

Additional Resources

Daily Radio Program

Washington Post

Outcomes magazine

Speaker Location

Colorado Springs, CO

Speaking Themes

Orphan care, adoption, parenting special needs children, “First Time Dad” (book published by Moody Publishing), Sample sessions regarding orphan care: 1. The Call To Care: Stories, statistics and Scripture reflecting the tremendous needs of 143 million fatherless children around the word, how we are called to care for the “least of these,” and what a step of faith can do in a child’s life. 2. “Can Do!” – Practical Ways To Help An Orphan: A look at the range of ways to reach out to orphans, from writing a check to supporting an adoptive family to welcoming a child into your heart and home. You CAN do something significant in the life of an orphan. 3. Adoption Drill Down: For those interested in adoption, and those who are already on the journey, a look at the process, costs, emotional and relational dynamics, challenges and joys of bringing an orphaned child into your family. 4. The Beauty Of Every Life: God’s divine imprint is on every individual’s life. We’re called to affirm His handiwork and to do so with an active faith. Stories of choosing to see every person through God’s eyes, especially the orphan.

Kevin Squires

Senior Director of Advocacy - World Orphans

Kevin Squires

Senior Director of Advocacy - World Orphans http://www.worldorphans.org

Kevin Squires is the Senior Director of Advocacy for World Orphans, a Christian non-profit organization committed to rescuing orphaned and abandoned children, strengthening indigenous churches, and impacting communities with the gospel of Jesus Christ. His life’s journey has taken him to over 20 countries throughout the Third World – from the African bush lands to the epicenter of the earthquake in Haiti. Currently, Kevin spends most of his time spreading awareness of the global orphan crisis, motivating American churches to form international church partnerships, forming Orphan Advocacy Teams, and recruiting young adults for short-term mission opportunities. Since receiving his Master’s in Religious Education, he has steadfastly worked to reconnect the call for social justice to our call to share the gospel of Christ. Although he travels extensively throughout the year, he currently resides in the Orlando Metro area with his wife Cassi and his two sons, Grant and Jackson.

Speaker Location

Orlando, FL

Travel Notes

Minimum of 60 days notice and travel expenses paid through reimbursement.

Speaking Themes

Global Orphan Crisis, Motivating American churches to start orphan care ministries, Ever-changing face of mission work, Human-trafficking and the sex trade industry, Orphan Advocacy Teams: How small groups can change the world, and Reconnecting social justice with gospel-centered teaching.

Daniel Taylor

Administrative Director - Lifeline Children's Services

Daniel Taylor

Administrative Director - Lifeline Children's Services http://www.lifelinechild.org

Daniel holds a Bachelor’s of Arts degree in Social Work from Auburn University. He served on staff with an at-risk children’s ministry for over two years before the Lord directed him to serve with Lifeline. Through the experience of seeing the pain of so many children growing up in broken families, he has developed a passion to see children raised in loving, Christian homes by both father and mother.

Daniel and his wife Sarah have two sons, Daniel Isaac and Noah David. Daniel and his family are excited to be currently adopting from Uganda.

Additional Resources

Blog Posts from Daniel

Speaker Location

Birmingham, AL

Speaking Themes

Domestic adoption, foster care, connecting with faith-based organizations, using technology to connect, choosing an adoption agency

Matt Mehaffey

Director of Orphan Advocacy - World Orphans

Matt Mehaffey

Director of Orphan Advocacy - World Orphans http://worldorphans.org

Matt served as a mega-church pastor and new church planter for seventeen years in Indianapolis, IN and Miami, FL before he started his new role as an advocate for the fatherless with World Orphans. Today, he loves helping churches and Orphan Advocacy Teams develop effective strategies for engaging the orphan crisis. He has led churches and teams who partner with World Orphans’ projects in Iraq and Haiti.

Additional Resources

About Matt

Speaker Location

Orlando, FL

Travel Notes

Matt is willing to travel to speak as long as travel expenses and lodging will be covered. If driving his own vehicle the current year’s mileage rate applies. A minimum honorarium for his speaking services are: One service: $250, Two or more services: $350

Speaking Themes

Orphans and Vulnerable Children – Responding through the Church

Emmanuel Nnyanzi

Executive Director - Parental Care Ministries Uganda

Emmanuel Nnyanzi

Executive Director - Parental Care Ministries Uganda http://www.pcmonline.org

Founders of PCM, Emmy and Sarah “Supermom” Nnyanzi have each traveled to the US and UK to share about how God continues to work in incredible ways in Uganda. Both of them came from broken homes where they were mistreated and abused. This bond brought them together as a couple and now propels them to provide “parental care” for hundreds of children lacking physical, emotional and spiritual needs. Pastor Emmy serves as Executive Director in Uganda and is a very anointed preacher, evangelist, and ministry leader who loves to share his testimony, how to overcome bitterness, hearing God’s voice, spiritual warfare and the gifts of the Holy Spirit to name a few. Supermom does well sharing her heart with various women’s groups and also leads a local group of pastor’s wives by sharing the Word of God with faith and encouragement.

Additional Resources

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5uUlweTJj_c&feature=youtu.be]

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-W-fPVN0cyI&list=UUIZ4Dy1PU_ntNLJPJXOyGfw&index=33&feature=plcp]

Speaker Location

Uganda

Travel Notes

Pastor Emmy travels to the United States 2 or 3 times a year and is available for speaking opportunities while in the area. If the ministry knows far enough in advance we can schedule his visit around a particular event.

Speaking Themes

Overcoming Bitterness (from the perspective of an orphan), Hearing God’s Voice

Lindsy Wallace

Orphan Care Ministry Leader - Antioch Church

Lindsy Wallace

Orphan Care Ministry Leader - Antioch Church http://www.wordfromthewallaces.blogspot.com

In 2010 I felt God calling me to step away from my career in the secular non-profit sector, to first focus on my family and second, use my gifts to expand our family’s ministry of caring for orphans and vulnerable children.

Around this same time, my husband was diagnosed with stage three melanoma, our adoption journey inched along towards year three of being “in the process” and I realized that our story is important because God is writing it for us.

Not only is He writing it, but we believe God wants us to share our story with others. My desire is to encourage and equip others with practical ideas for orphan care and adoption through this blog, personal relationships, speaking engagements and coffee with strangers-soon-to-be-friends.

My experience is rooted in being a wife of seven years, mama to two sweet bio babes (ages four and two), our three and a half year pursuit of adopting a little boy from Africa, being a Safe Families host family, certified foster family and orphan care ministry leader.

Additional Resources

Starting an Orphan Care Ministry

I’m Not the Point

Positively Jesus

One Less

Why I Cried My Mascara Off

Speaker Location

Louisville, KY

Travel Notes

Travel must be paid for an limited to less than two days away from home.

Speaking Themes

Caring for Orphans as a Family and a Church; Persevering While You Wait; Fundraising for the Rest of Us

James Yim

Pastor - Living Way Community Church

James Yim

Pastor - Living Way Community Church http://www.lwccla.org

1999 – M.Div from Talbot School of Theology

2000 – Planted Living Way Community Church in Los Angeles; Got married

2008 – Received a newborn boy through Olive Crest (foster-adopt program)

2009 – Had biological baby girl

2010 – Adoption completed!

2012 – Visiting Ghana for long-term relationship with Pioneers; starting international adoption process

Additional Resources

Talbot Chapel Session on Adoption

Previous Sermons (August 19th on adoption)

Speakers Location

Los Angeles County

Speaking Themes

He speaks on all themes as one of the main preaching pastors of our church, but he also gives talked focused on adoption.

Florence Muindi, MD, MPH

Founding President/CEO - Life In Abundance International

Florence Muindi, MD, MPH

Founding President/CEO - Life In Abundance International http://lifeinabundance.org

Dr. Muindi is considered a thought leader in the ministry of community development. A native to Kenya, Dr. Muindi is a medical doctor by training and has pioneered LIA’s transformational development model. Since the beginning, Dr. Muindi has played an integral role in not only establishing a proven model and track record for LIA, but also in laying the foundation for implementation throughout Africa and the majority world.

She is a graduate of University Of Nairobi Medical School (1989). Additionally, Dr. Muindi received training in Switzerland and Belgium in specialized public health interventions and holds a diploma in Urban Poor Theology from Fuller Seminary. She regularly speaks publicly about community development through the local church, empowerment of the vulnerable and transformational transformation.

She is married to Festus with two grown sons. Above all, Dr. Muindi is a servant and follower of Christ.

Additional Resources

Dr. Muindi has also served as a plenary or breakout speaker at:

  • National Missionary Convention
  • FOCUS Conference
  • Medsend Conference
  • International Christian Medical and Dental Association Conference

Speaker Location

Nairobi, Kenya

Travel Notes

Given enough notice, Dr. Florence is able to travel for speaking engagements anywhere in the world, time and logistics permitting.

Speaking Themes

Community development, Transformational development, Integrated/wholistic development, Complete community health, Equipping local leadership, Equipping the local church to meet the needs of its community, Sustainable solutions to addressing poverty, A new missions model

Doug Walker

Senior Pastor - Fellowship of the Parks

Doug Walker

Senior Pastor - Fellowship of the Parks http://www.fellowshipoftheparks.com/

Doug Walker is the founding and Senior Pastor of Fellowship of the Parks Church with three campuses in North Texas. He is a graduate of Carson Newman College and Southwestern Seminary. Doug wrote the book “Things Were Better Before You Came – A Story of Adoption, Acceptance and Unconditional Love.”

Doug was adopted when he was a baby. When he was nine years old, his adoptive mother—in a moment of intense anger—said something that would change Doug’s life. She said, “Things were better before you came.” From that point on, Doug questioned his value, not just in his parents’ home, but also in the world. This began a lifetime of struggling to earn love and acceptance. Doug’s life was lived with the question, “Were things really better before I came?” Through many years of struggles, Doug came to a point of understanding that God loves us unconditionally.

For the longest time, Doug lived in “Orphan Culture,” which is the perspective that we are only as valuable as our greatest achievements and that we are worthless if we cannot validate our own existence. However, God has invited us to live in “Son Culture,” which is to realize that God loves us unconditionally, regardless of our achievements and accolades.

This book is for people who feel unwanted and unloved. It is for those who have felt that the world would be better off without them and that they have nothing to contribute. This book is for people who need to receive the unconditional love of a God who calls himself Father.

Additional Resources

Doug’s Weekend Messages at Fellowship of the Parks

Doug sharing his adoption story at Fellowship of the Parks & Foothills Community Church Seneca, SC

Website for book: www.thingswerebetter.com

Speaker Location

Dallas/Ft. Worth, TX

Speaking Themes

Doug is available to speak on the topics of adoption, acceptance and unconditional love. His target audience is: Adult adopted children, parents of adopted children, and birth parents seeking relational and spiritual validation. Those involved in adoption services. Any Christian interested in the Biblical theology of adoption, acceptance and unconditional love. Any person who has ever felt unloved, unwanted, or alone and those who deal with feelings of insecurity and insignificance.

Megan Terry

Millions of Miles

Megan Terry

Millions of Miles http://www.millionsofmiles.com

Megan Terry is a busy mom of three and foster mom. She speaks about adoption from the perspective of an adoptive parent. She provides encouragement for parents and a voice of honesty about adoption and foster care issues (the good and the difficult!).

She is the 2012 Deputy Director for Orphan Sunday through the Christian Alliance for Orphans.

Megan’s passion lies in teaching people to use social media as advocacy for issues concerning adoption, orphan care and fostering. She loves to teach people to harness their own personal stories in creative ways to get people excited about adoption and orphan ministries.

She blogs her personal story of motherhood, adoption, and foster parenting for tens of thousands at www.millionsofmiles.com

Additional Resources

Summit VIII: New Media and Orphan Advocacy
Summit VII: Advocating As a Busy Mom

Speaker Location

Louisville, KY

Travel Notes

Considered on a case by case basis.

Speaking Themes

Social media and orphan advocacy, adoption, Orphan Sunday, reflections from an adoptive and foster family and transracial families.

Josh Caldwell

Manager of Involvement & Partnerships - Lifeline Children's Services

Josh Caldwell

Manager of Involvement & Partnerships - Lifeline Children's Services http://www.lifelinechild.org

Josh has served on staff at two churches in the Birmingham area and one Christian School, working with children, youth and families for the past 10 years. Josh is coming to Lifeline from Shades Mountain Christian School where he was the Director of Student Life. His passion is to live out James 1:27 on a daily basis and help others find ways they can do the same.

He has a beautiful wife, Staci, and a son named Moses.

Additional Resources

Adoption Part of the Great Commission

Speaker Location

Birmingham, AL

Travel Notes

If traveling, sometimes he may want to bring his family (his wife and son).

Speaking Themes

Church participation involving orphan care, creating an adoption culture in the church, encouraging men to take initiative in the home, adopting internationally in Africa and the Theology of Adoption.

Herbert Newell

Executive Director - Lifeline Children's Services

Herbert Newell

Executive Director - Lifeline Children's Services http://www.lifelinechild.org

Herbie Newell holds a master’s in Accounting from Samford University. He joined the Lifeline staff in 2003 as executive director/administrator. From January 2004 – December 2008 he served as the president of the Alabama Adoption Coalition. Herbie was chosen as a Hague Intercountry Adoption evaluator and team leader by COA in 2006 and serves in that capacity currently. In 2008, Herbie helped in founding the National Christian Adoption Fellowship for which he currently serves as Chairman of the Board.

He and his wife Ashley live in Birmingham. Ashley is the former assistant Director of Sav-a-Life Vestavia Hills. Herbie worked with Warren, Averett, a prominent accounting firm for 4 years in auditing before God lead him to Lifeline. Herbie and Ashley are parents to son, Caleb, and daughters, Adelynn and Emily; Ashley is now a full-time mom.

Additional Resources

Blog Posts by Herbie

Speaker Location

Birmingham, AL

Travel Notes

If traveling for speaking engagements, sometimes he will bring his family (his wife and three children).

Speaking Themes

Adoption (Internationally and Domestically), Orphan Care, Foster Care, choosing the right agency and the Theology of Adoption.

Hannah Farver

Promotions Manager - Hope for Orphans

Hannah Farver

Promotions Manager - Hope for Orphans http://HopeforOrphans.org

Hannah is a writer, student, and orphan advocate. Her first book, Uncompromising, was published in 2011 by Moody Publishers. Her writing has also been published in WORLD magazine online, Christianity Today, and FamilyLife’s MomLife blog. Hannah joined the Hope for Orphans staff in 2011, working in promotions and marketing. Also in 2011, Hannah visited South Korea with the Hope for Orphans team and met a few of the children Hope for Orphans exists to serve.

Currently, Hannah works for Hope for Orphans while attending at Patrick Henry College in Virginia, where she is studying journalism. She is working on her second book, a novel, as well as an illustrated children’s book on the Gospel and adoption.

Speaker Location

Virginia

Speaking Themes

The orphan crisis & how college students and teens can help.

Sherrie Eldridge

Author, Speaker, Adoption Advocate - Jewel Among Jewels Adoption Network, Iinc

Sherrie Eldridge

Author, Speaker, Adoption Advocate - Jewel Among Jewels Adoption Network, Iinc http://sherrieeldridge.com

Who would have guessed that a newborn baby abandoned at birth, who failed to thrive with her adoptive parents, who suffered attachment, learning and sensory challenges, and whose mother wanted to abort her, would end up thriving?

Sherrie believes that being adopted equates to a life of mysteries, just waited to be discovered. A twice-reunited adoptee, Eldridge is a straight shooting, transparent, and compassionate author, speaker, and trainer in the field of adoption.

Her books are research based, yet woven within are poignant, biblical messages pounded out on the anvil of her adoptee heart.

This is what makes Eldridge unique!

Because her books hit core needs, readers review her work with either anger or thanks. She takes this in stride, knowing that many critics have returned over the last 20 years to thank her. One adoptive father said she had a beautiful heart because she had the courage to say what his adopted daughter might experience someday.

Her first book, Twenty Things Adopted Kids Wish Their Adoptive Parents Knew, is required reading by many adoption agencies and universities. Her first book, Twenty Things Adopted Kids Wish Their Adoptive Parents Knew has sold more than 160,000 copies and continues to sell well. Sherrie has authored five other books and four workbooks.

In 2010, Eldridge and husband Bob, traveled to DC to receive the Congressional Angel in Adoption Award.

Sherrie has been married for 47 years to Bob Eldridge. They have two married daughters and six grandchildren.

Additional Resources

Sherrie’s YouTube site

Travel Notes

I charge per event, plus lodging, airfare, hotel, meals, mileage, tips

Speaking Themes

Under His Wings–Creating A Post-Adoption Growth Group for Adoptees, How and When to Talk Adoption with Your Adopted Child, The Gift of Grief–Transforming A Painful Past (A Practical tool to help children grieve loss), The Heart Language of Adoptees, What Adoptees Wish Church Communities Knew, 20 Things Adopted Kids Wish Their Adoptive Parents Knew, Forever Fingerprints–God’s Way of Assuring the Adoptee’s Worth and Identity, From Nameless to Shameless–Sherrie’s Story

C.H. Dyer

President & CEO - Bright Hope

C.H. Dyer

President & CEO - Bright Hope http://www.brighthope.org/chdyer

C.H. Dyer has been President of Bright Hope since 1993, taking over the reins from his father who founded the organization in 1968. C.H. grew up in a dedicated missions focused family. His earliest memories are of his father preaching in churches about the poor and persecuted living in Romania and Russia. In 1986, C.H. spent a summer helping a small church in a Filipino slum. He was overwhelmed by the poverty and yet encouraged by their faith. Seeing the people in need of food, fair wages and a relationship with Christ, C.H. felt called to help the poorest of the poor.

After graduating from Talbot Seminary with a Master of Arts Degree in Theological Studies in 1989 and a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance and Marketing from Northern Illinois, C.H. began full time ministry to help those living in extreme poverty. He added the economic development area to Bright Hope and has founded and shaped the organization’s partnerships and programs. Through C.H.’s leadership, over a million people have been helped through Bright Hope in 20 countries.

C.H. won the 2002 Today’s Young Executive Award and was the 2006 Volunteer of the Year for the Hoffman Estates Park District. He belongs to the Christian Leadership Alliance Association, The Chicago Council of Global Affairs and The Master’s Program. He has been a frequent featured guest on Moody Radio and Mission Network News and an invited keynote speaker at numerous colleges, seminars, and conferences. He has preached at over 50 churches throughout the US and internationally.

As a Chaplain for the O’Hare International and Midway Airports in Chicago, C.H. regularly conducts church services at the airport and cares for employees and travelers.

C.H. and his wife, Anne, and their three children live in Hoffman Estates, Illinois. The Dyers adopted their two youngest children from Russia.

Additional Resources

Interviews:

MNN’s Elisa Talmage asks C.H. Dyer about a recent trip to India which ended up being the launching pad for a new, anti-human trafficking project.

MNN’s Elisa Talmage talks to Craig Dyer about an opportunity to Share Your Story with Bright Hope.

MNN’s Ruth Kramer hears good news from Bright Hope International’s Craig Dyer regarding the recent Chile earthquake.

Bright Hope International president and CEO Craig Dyer talks with MNN’s Elisa Talmage about rioting and cholera in Haiti.

MNN’s Greg Yoder talks with Dyer about their Haiti relief effort.

Dyer tells MNN’s Greg Yoder that their churches are mostly okay and gearing up to help in Haiti.

Videos:

Haiti Earthquake Disaster Relief

Experience the Bright Hope Difference

Speaker Location

Chicago, IL

Speaking Themes

Orphans and Vulnerable Children: Helping Orphans in the 21st Century, Global Mission Leadership, Extreme Poverty 101: How to Help and What Helping Teaches Us about God, Growing in Faith and Love, Micro-finance and Micro-loans: Creating Successful Jobs, Business Philanthropy, Non-Profit Leadership.

Julie Gumm

Author, Speaker, Adoptive Mom - Lifeline Children's Services

Julie Gumm

Author, Speaker, Adoptive Mom - Lifeline Children's Services http://juliegumm.com

Julie Gumm is married to her high-school sweetheart and the mother of 4 children from 2 continents. She is the author of the bestselling book “Adopt Without Debt: Creative Ways to Cover the Cost of Adoption,” which has been featured on The Dave Ramsey Show. She and her husband Mark paid of $235,000 in debt, including the house, and have been living God-sized, debt-free dreams ever since. She blogs about adoptive family life, affording adoption and financial freedom at http://juliegumm.com. She loves networking with other adoptive parents and speaking on adoption, global orphan care and financial freedom.

Additional Resources

Adopt Without Debt

Speaker Location

Phoenix, AZ

Travel Notes

Speaker fees handled on a case-by-case basis. Expenses include travel from Phoenix, lodging and meals.

Speaking Themes

Adopting Debt-free, Fundraising for Adoption, Adoptive Family Life, Post-Adoption Depression, Getting Involved in the Global Orphan Care Crisis.

Shannon Vander Ark

Public Speaker - Olive Crest-Fostering Together

Shannon Vander Ark

Public Speaker - Olive Crest-Fostering Together http://www.fosteringtogether.org

I am a former foster child who was placed in care at 7 & aged out of the system at 18. I was never allowed to be legally adopted by the last family who took me in at 10 because my birth parents rights were never terminated. I spend most of my life trying to hide the fact of where I came from. After being introduced to the Gospel through a Christian Family I accepted the Lord into my life at 13. There were no overnight transformations but slowly over time the fruits of the Spirit began to fill my life & the Lord began to heal my heart. 2 Corinthians 5:17 say’s anyone who is in Christ in a new creation. I was able to find a new identity one rooted in love to help me overcome my past.

I have spent the past 4 years volunteering for Olive Crest, traveling around WA State sharing my testimony in the faith community to recruit foster families. It is my passion & feel extremely blessed to be able to use my past to participate in His kingdom plan, helping families & saving children one family at a time. Since I first started speaking the Lord has opened many doors, and have had the opportunity to speak at a maximum security women’s prison as well as join the team for Focus On The Family and speak in different states for the Wait No More Conference.

Additional Resources

www.fosteringtogether.org (Under Contact Us tab then Speakers you will find a flyer that gives detail about me & why I share.)

Download flyer for Shannon Vander Ark

Speaking Themes

My passion is to engage the church & us as believers that the time to respond to the call to foster/adopt is now. To share about the healing & redeeming power that Christ can have in a child’s life. With Him and the support of a loving family, it is possible to break the cycle of sometimes generational abuse. I also hope to offer encouragement to families as well as foster teens traveling on this journey through workshops & trainings.

Mandy Litzke

Adopted Mom, Speaker - Life Through the Word Ministries & Safe Harbor Orphan Care Ministries

Mandy Litzke

Adopted Mom, Speaker - Life Through the Word Ministries & Safe Harbor Orphan Care Ministries http://safeharbororphancare.org

Miracles of Love. That sums up the story of my life. Born into a tragic, heart-wrenching environment of alcoholism, drug addiction and abuse, God’s first miracle was sparing my life. God then proceeded to put His plan into action.

One couple, led of God, responded to His calling to simply love me. Being adopted by my forever family led to my adoption into the family of God. My Heavenly Father, through His sovereignty, orchestrated my experiencing His love through my parents. Then by the acceptance of His grace and mercy I was adopted into the Kingdom of God when I took Christ as my personal Lord and Savior. God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what He wanted to do and it gave him great pleasure (Ephesians 1:5, NLT).

That was just the beginning. God who faithfully provided parents to love and adopt me called my husband Dave and me to be instruments of His love through adoption. We have been blessed with 16 beautiful children (2 biological daughters and 14 adopted children). A calling on our lives that would prove to bring the greatest blessings one could ever wish for…our children.

That the God of the universe could love me and use me is humbling. He loved me before I was even formed in my mother’s womb and created me for His purpose, manifesting His plan. Through the years my Heavenly Father felt every tear and faithfully provided for every need. He wants to use me, a mere broken vessel. I am His so that He can live through me for HIS GLORY! Because of God’s matchless grace and perfect strength every misfortune and heartbreak of my journey have been transformed from something to be endured to opportunities to worship Him. I would love the opportunity to share His story- from an orphan to an adoptive parent. A story of healing grace, transforming my life into a dangerous, surrendered, faith building journey of joy. With His heart…Our hands can become His miracles of love!

Founder, Safe Harbor Orphan Care Ministries. Safe Harbor Orphan Care walks along side families and churches that are following the call to begin Orphan Care ministries–It’s a JOY!

I have the awesome privilege to be Keynote speaker and Event Worship Leader with Life Through The Word Ministries (Intinerate Ministry)

Additional Resources

Facebook Video

https://vimeo.com/38577721

Reference letter

Speaker Location

Ohio

Speaking Themes

Personal testimony as adoptee (I was rescued from tragic beginning/abuse then orphaned; foster care– & led by God’s orchestration to my forever family and now adoptive mother to 16 blessings (14 adopted) Other topics incorporated or shared alone: Orphan Care – covering both local track (Foster/Adopt/Mentoring/Safe Families) and International track-global orphan care and adoption; ADOPTION-Core of the Gospel; His Heart–Our hands; Living out James 1:27–obedience and faith journey; Kids from Hard Places-HOPE – A place of healing; Brokenness to Blessings; ONE

Gerald Clark

Founder and CEO - Home For Good Foundation

Gerald Clark

Founder and CEO - Home For Good Foundation http://www.hfgf.org

Author, International Speaker, Bible Teacher, Missionary Bush Pilot

Six years working directly with children in a mission orphanage in the Philippines. Gerald is one of the early pioneers advocating for Adoption as Ministry and Evangelism since January 1997. He has spoken about adoption ministry in churches across the USA and on several islands in the Philippines.

Author of a comprehensive Adoption Bible Study in 2005

Teaching pastors from Africa, India and Myanmar has led to the launching of adoption ministries in churches in their respective countries where Christian families are now adopting children in their own country and culture.

Gerald and his wife spent six years working with children in a mission orphanage in the Philippines where they learned how desperately children need and want to belong to a loving family.

Gerald believes that Adoption should be the preferred form of orphan care, and advocates for Adoption as a ministry in every evangelical church around the world. Christian families who adopt should be viewed as missionaries who bring the Gospel and God’s love to orphan children by living example.

While teaching pastors from Africa, India, Myanmar, USA and the Philippines about adoption ministry in their churches, Gerald discovered they all knew of families in their churches who already wanted to adopt. Meeting many of those families even in remote villages in the Philippines led to the realization that adoption really can be the solution for the world’s orphan crisis, and that local adoption is far more cost-effective than institutional care. Governments in the Philippines and Uganda are openly opposed to building new orphanages and heartily approve of the Home For Good model for local adoption.

The Home For Good teaching and adoption bible study have been instrumental in helping others to launch adoption ministries in churches in the USA and other countries where Christian families are now adopting children in their own culture.

Speaker Location

Grants Pass, OR

Additional

Adoption Bible Study downloadable PDF

Recent REVIEW:

“Gerald’s message is one that should be heard in every bible believing church. It is a transforming message that will revolutionize the church’s role in orphan care. His speech is dynamic, succinct and very moving. Mr. Clark’s teaching is well organized, scripturally sound, and keeps the audience engaged. This speaker is not to be missed if you have a chance to hear him. Gerald and his wife are well worth inviting to your church.” – Dianne Liskey

Travel Notes

  • Accepts Love Offering for speaking and reimbursement for travel & lodging expenses only.
  • Am willing to stay in someone’s home if a church needs to save on lodging expenses
  • Gerald Encourages multiple churches to partner in a joint effort regional adoption ministry event to share expenses
  • Gerald is available for multiple day multiple venue meetings and local radio or TV interviews to obtain maximum impact and value for your event.

Speaking Themes

Launching an adoption ministry in your church, Hidden evangelists in your congregation who already want to adopt, Creative ways to fund adoptions that don’t harm the church budget, Adoption and church growth / community outreach, Local Adoption by families in every evangelical church in the world, Adoption and Evangelism. Adoption and the Gospel Jas 1:27; Matt 5:16; Gal 4:4-5; John 1:12, and Emptying an orphanage by adoption vs. building a new orphanage

Heather Neely

Director of Short Term Missions - VisionTrust International

Heather Neely

Director of Short Term Missions - VisionTrust International http://www.visiontrust.org

Heather Neely spent three years from 2005 through 2007 serving as the Executive Director for Adopt-a-Village International. Employed by VisionTrust since 2008 as Director of Short Term Missions. Has participated on and lead 65 mission teams and organized 200 mission teams over the past eight years.

Served along husband who is a Student Ministries Pastor for past 11 years. One six-year-old daughter. Hobbies: Snowboarding, motocross and ministering to American youth.

Speaker Location

Utah/Colorado

Travel Notes

Need at least 3 month notice for speaking events outside of Utah and travel costs covered.

Speaking Themes

Hosting mission teams that meet real needs, Partnering with locals to serve their community, Importance of being a servant/learner on the mission field, How to gauge when a mission team should meet an expressed need or empower locals to fulfill the task, and How to effectively train your mission team to be culturally sensitive. How to engage USA churches in a long term commitment a specific targeted community Training mission team leaders

Jim Ross

Leadership Team (New Program Development) - VisionTrust

Jim Ross

Leadership Team (New Program Development) - VisionTrust http://www.visiontrust.org

7 year missionary with CRU (formerly Campus Crusade for Christ)
Denver Seminary Graduate (Masters in Christian Studies)
Currently working on PhD in Holistic Childhood Development (APNTS)

Additional Resources

contact me at [email protected] if you would like to see a copy of the book I wrote called “True Religion”.

Speaker Location

Colorado Springs, CO

Speaking Themes

Big Picture of Global Orphan Care, How to help without hurting, How to help a whole lot of orphans with a very little amount of money, and The REALITY of an orphan in the developing world.

Lisa Castetter

Founder and CEO - Teen Leadership Foundation

Lisa Castetter

Founder and CEO - Teen Leadership Foundation http://teenleadershipfoundation.org

A devoted transitional age foster youth advocate; Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Teen Leadership Foundation (TLF). TLF is an Orange County-based nonprofit which operates through-out Southern California and the Pacific Northwest.

TLF was birthed from the awareness of statistics of aging out foster youth. In 2007; Lisa traded in a life of worldly success as an executive in the apparel and textile industry for a life of living surrendered to standing in the gap for those impacted by abuse and neglect.

Lisa leads a board of directors in developing and implementing innovative programs that empower young foster teenagers to take action to improve life prior to emancipation from the foster care system. Under her leadership, TLF has developed powerful partnerships with Government , Faith and Community based organizatinos to help implement TLF programs. In the past 5 years more than 2, 000 youth have completed TLF’s camp program and hundreds are connected with long term mentors.

As a guest speaker Lisa tackles difficult issues on behalf of foster teenagers. A graduate of Indiana University majoring in Communications Lisa resides in Newport Beach, Ca.

Additional Resources

Rhonda’s Radio Show

Summit 8 Breakouts: What Happens at 18 and Effective Faith-Based Partnerships

Christian Examiner

Speaker Location

Newport Beach, CA

Travel Notes

Flight and hotel arrangements paid for by host.

Speaking Themes

The Church and Foster Teens, Breaking the Cycle, Changing Statistics, Mentoring Impact, and Life Change at Camp.

Kate Borders

Senior Projects Director - World Orphans

Kate Borders

Senior Projects Director - World Orphans http://www.worldorphans.org/

Kate Borders is a Senior Projects Director for World Orphans, a non-profit organization committed to rescuing orphaned and abandoned children, strengthening the local church, and impacting communities with the Gospel of Jesus Christ through church-based, family-focused programs. Kate is a graduate of Wheaton College and lives with her husband and daughter in East Tennessee.

Additional Resources

Story in ebook

Speaker Location

Knoxville, TN

Travel Notes

I have a small child at home so my availability to travel may be limited and will depend on the timing of the request, location, and other details.

Speaking Themes

World Orphans ministry and model of care, specifically: Church-based orphan care, Residential care and (community) home-based care, Holistic Child Care (caring for children spiritually, emotionally, physically and mentally).

Brooke Miller

Founder, Home4Good

Brooke Miller

Founder, Home4Good http://www.brookemardell.com

What if we were each other’s greatest resource? What if we had ways to support foster and adoptive families both “before and after the balloons”? What if everyone – young, old, married, single – knew they had a part to play? And knew what it was? What if, together, we could find life from loss?

This is my dream. To be honest, it was a dream birthed in heartache. I never dreamt that words like orphan care, infertility, and failed adoption would be part of my story. But each of those have led me to a greater understanding of who I am, and who my God is. It’s also led me to believe that this generation can end the orphan crisis. No really, I believe it. In fact, with an unexpected career as an Attorney and Real Estate Broker, I run Home4Good and have lofty plans like changing the world – one home at a time. As a graduate and former faculty of Trinity Law School, I began – and continue – my professional endeavors with a view to integrate social justice, law, theology, and practical psychology. I try to blend those passions into each opportunity to speak and lead sessions directed at everyday ways to build a culture of support for foster/adoptive families. Because God chose the family as His vehicle of healing for the lonely, I want to see each foster/adoptive family be as healthy and strong as possible as they weather the storms inherent in loving the fatherless.

I am “Auntie Boo” to 16 littles, 3 by adoption, and I’m lucky enough to be married to my best friend – eleven years and counting. My favorite thing to buy is a stamp in my passport, and while I haven’t been everywhere, it’s on my list. The pitter-patters coming down our hallway belong to Abby, our Cavalier Spaniel. No one could be more surprised than me.

I occasionally blog at www.brookemardell.com/blog and try to keep my speaking schedule up to date so that future-besties know where they can find me.

Additional Resources

blog: She Came Back

Speaker Location

Orange County, CA

Speaking Themes

93/7 Orphan Care: Our Greatest Resource is Each Other; Unplanned Unparenthood; Captivating the Entire Community for Orphan Care; Before & After the Balloons: What adoptive families need their friends and family to know (audio available); Sad is Not Bad; Confessions of a Grief Virgin: Finding Life from Loss; Truest > Newest

Johnny Carr

National Director of Church Partnerships - Bethany Christian Services

Johnny Carr

National Director of Church Partnerships - Bethany Christian Services

Johnny and his wife, Beth, are the parents of five children. Three of their children were adopted and are deaf. Their youngest is also medically complex. Johnny served in full time church ministry for 14 years before becoming Bethany’s first National Director of Church Partnerships in 2007. Since that time he has traveled the country speaking to churches, church leaders, denominations, and at conferences with the message that orphan care and adoption should be a ministry of the church.

Additional Resources

Sermon

Speaker Location

Pittsburgh, PA

Speaking Themes

Adoption, Orphan Care and Social Justice for Evangelicals.

Jeremy Resmer

Projects Manager - World Orphans

Jeremy Resmer

Projects Manager - World Orphans http://www.worldorphans.org

Jeremy held strategic and management positions in marketing, operations and corporate finance for growing technology, fashion, and direct response companies. Prior to joining World Orphans, he worked for an international consulting firm and provided strategic solutions for small and mid size companies.

Jeremy was the Director of Marketing and Market Analysis at Bazi, a publicly traded nutritional supplements company, from 2009 to 2011. Prior to working at Bazi, he served as the senior analyst of strategy and planning for Product Partners, LLC, a $500 million direct response company specializing in fitness and nutritional supplements.

Jeremy was the founder and president of Bullit where he developed and marketed his own clothing brand, managed daily business operations, and oversaw international manufacturing. Prior to that he worked as a senior financial analyst for Occam Networks, Inc. from January 2006 to June 2007. Jeremy lived and worked in Kenya at The Segera Mission of the Upper Room Fellowship in 2005 and served on the board of directors from 2006-2009.

Speaker Location

Denver, CO

Speaking Themes

Home-based care for OVC, project development, and economic development.

Dr. Jon Bergeron

Clinical Psychologist & Adoptive Father

Dr. Jon Bergeron

Clinical Psychologist & Adoptive Father http://www.jonbergeronphd.com/

Jon A. Bergeron, Jr., Ph.D. graduated from Taylor University in Upland, IN in 1994. He then completed his PhD in Clinical Psychology at UT Southwestern Medical School in Dallas, TX and one-year postdoctoral training in Child and Adolescent Psychology at Scott & White Clinic in College Station, TX in 2002.

Dr. Bergeron continued for ten years at the Scott & White Clinic working with children, adolescents, adults and couples. He and his wife have been foster parents, and have adopted 2 Deaf children both domestically and internationally.

Dr. Bergeron served for six years on the board of Voices for Children (CASA) in Bryan, TX.

In 2011, he joined the non-profit organization, Hope For Orphans, giving leadership and vision in developing tools and resources for families in crisis and helping churches, organizations, and counselors meet the needs of families adopting at-risk kids. During his time there, Dr. Bergeron spoke and led workshops on a variety of orphan-care topics at conferences across the U.S. and internationally.

In 2015, Dr. Bergeron returned to private practice partnering with the Austin Stone Counseling Center in Austin, TX, and continues to travel and speak about a variety of orphan care and biblical counseling topics.

Speaker Location

Austin, TX

Speaking Themes

Adoption of children with special needs, At-risk children in adoption, Post adoption issues, Integrating Scientific Knowledge with a Biblical Worldview in regards to Orphan Care, and Recognizing and addressing the spiritual aspects of helping children heal.

Beth Guckenberger

"Chief Talker"/ Co-Executive Director - Back2Back Ministries

Beth Guckenberger

"Chief Talker"/ Co-Executive Director - Back2Back Ministries http://www.back2back.org

Beth and Todd Guckenberger serve as executive directors of Back2Back Ministries, headquartered in Cincinnati,OH. Currently, their ministry has operations on three different continents (Mexico, Indian and Nigeria and Haiti). They have lived in Monterrey, Mexico, since 1997 and since that time have hosted thousands of guests on their ministry campus.

Beth is a regular speaker for church services and retreats, and enjoys communicating how God is moving in her life. She is that author of Reckless Faith (Zondervan, 2008) and Relentless Hope (Standard, 2011) Tales of the Not Forgotten (Standard 2012) and Tales of the Defended Ones (Standard, 2013). Beth and her husband, Todd, are parents to nine children (3 biological, 3 through adoption, and 3 through long-term foster care).

Additional Resources

https://vineyardcincinnati.com/player/349

Keynoted at the:
National Children’s Pastor Conference 2012
Northwest Ministry Conference 2012
D6 Conference 2012
K! Leadership Summit 2012
Indianapolis Orphan Summit 2012

Speaker Location

Monterrey, Mexico

Travel Notes

Travel once a month
honorarium is at the discretion of the host

Speaking Themes

Orphancare, Foster Care, Adoption, Missions, Missions to Children, and Blended Families.

Paul Pennington

Co-Founder and Executive Director - Hope for Orphans

Paul Pennington

Co-Founder and Executive Director - Hope for Orphans http://HopeforOrphans.org

Paul and his wife, Robin, co-founded Hope for Orphans in 2002, before merging with FamilyLife in 2003 where he serves as Executive Director. Paul led in the birth of both the Summit and the formation of the Christian Alliance for Orphans, where he served as a board member until 2011. He is the co-author of the book Launching an Orphans Ministry in Your Church and a co-host of the If You Were Mine DVD Adoption Workshop both published by FamilyLife Publishing. Paul also helped to lead the development of the of the Cry of the Orphan campaign – a joint orphan awareness media campaign led by Hope for Orphans, Focus on the Family and Show Hope.

He speaks nationally and internationally on Gospel-Centric Orphan Ministry and adoption and is a frequent guest on the national radio program FamilyLife Today. Paul and Robin have been married for 34 years and have six children and 11 grandchildren. Five of their children and three of their grandchildren came to them through adoption. They currently live outside of Austin, Texas.

Speaker Location

Austin, TX

Speaking Themes

Gospel-Centric Orphan Ministry, Adoption, and Orphan Ministry in the Church.

Robin Pennington

Co-Founder - Hope for Orphans

Robin Pennington

Co-Founder - Hope for Orphans http://HopeforOrphans.org

Robin, along with her husband Paul, co-founded Hope for Orphans in 2002, before merging with FamilyLife in 2003. Robin is a national pioneer in developing church- based ministry to high-risk post adoptive families and working with high risk adoptive children. Robin founded HFO FamilyCare where she now works with Dr. Jon Bergeron. She has been a frequent national speaker at HFO events, Summits, and HFO Institutes and has been a frequent guest on the national radio program FamilyLife Today.

Robin has also been a leader in adoption education through her role in the If You Were Mine DVD series from HFO. Robin and Paul have been married for 34 years and have six children and 11 grandchildren. Five of their children and three of their grandchildren came to them through adoption.

Speaking Themes

Adoption of Children with Special Needs, At-risk Children in Adoption and Post Adoption Issues and Families in Crisis.

David A. Arruda

Pastor/Director - N.U.H.O.P.E and Orphan Sunday

David A. Arruda

Pastor/Director - N.U.H.O.P.E and Orphan Sunday

Pastor David A. Arruda was born and raised in Fall River, MA. Was a Member of the US. Army. Resided in Alaska for 13 years before returning to New England. Pastor David A. has been a United Methodist since 1993 his has been in the pastoral ministry since 2002. David came into the ministry with a passion to help churches turn around. In 2004 he developed the 11th Hour Church process. This process is to take a closing church and turn it around. In 2005 Bishop Weaver gave David the opportunity to put the 11th Hour Church process into practice. Since then David has led two churches through successful “turn-a-rounds”, and has helped coach other churches.

David is a member of the New England Annual Conference Local Church Transformation Committee, one of the founders of the New England Annual Conferences School of Congregational Development, chairs the RISEM District Congregational Development Committee, member of the RISEM District Ministry Team, a Natural Church Development Coach, chairs N.U.H.O.P.E. (NEAC orphan and adoption ministry), advisor to the We C.A.R.E Village Orphanage Zimbabwe, Massachusetts State coordinator for “Christian Alliance for Orphans” Orphan Sunday and currently the Director of Pastoral Outreach “Christian Alliance for Orphans” Orphan Sunday

David’s approach to church and church transformation is far from the so-called “norm”. To say David’s approach is somewhat unorthodox would be an understatement.
No matter how far he is outside of the boat or box or how unorthodox his approach is, David is never far from his relationship with Jesus. David feels without a solid up close and personal relationship with Jesus Christ there cannot be any church transformation. A relationship with Jesus is paramount for reviving our churches.

in 2005 David lead the New England Annual Conference to pass Resolution 210 Which brought the orphan & foster children crisis to the for front of the conference and established N.U.H.O.P.E which he chairs. Also David is in the process to be a similar resolution to the General Conference in 2016.
David loves nature and the great outdoors, Fly Fishing, Hiking, Climbing, Photography, and an avid Woodworker & Wood Carver.
David lives in Somerset MA with his wife Jane, has three children Elvis, Katie, and Matt and on grandson Masen.

Speaker Location

Massachusetts

Additional Resources

How Orphan Ministry Saved a Dying Church: SHToday-Spring07

Travel Info

Honorarium is at the discretion of the host. Only need reimbursement for actual travel expenses

Bill Hancock

Co-founder of FaithBridge Foster Care

Bill Hancock

Co-founder of FaithBridge Foster Care http://faithbridgefostercare.org

Bill R. Hancock says that he didn’t find foster care. Foster care found him. When he was a young teen, his stepfather asked him to leave their home. He dropped out of high school and found his way to a workhouse. Several years later, he heard a televangelist preaching on TV. The next Sunday, he went to church where God became the father he never had and the church became his family. This experience, coupled with the support of several key individuals, afforded him a new start and he was able to go to college, then graduate school, where he got a job working in an emergency children’s shelter—and he’s been serving foster children ever since.

Bill’s passion and vision is to change the way America does foster care—with the local church as the solution. With more than 30 years of child welfare and church leadership experience, Bill possesses a unique understanding of foster care, public policy, church culture, and social entrepreneurship. His career crosses disciplines with prior leadership roles in both churches and foster care agencies—and this diverse experience led him to co-found FaithBridge Foster Care, a child placing agency that partners with local churches and communities to address their local foster care crisis through the FaithBridge Community of CareSM.

The FaithBridge Community of Care is research-based, integrated delivery system that creates local foster family capacity with built-in stability and quality through unparalleled volunteer support, Christian caseworkers and competency-based curricula and certification. FaithBridge not only works to create localized foster care ministries in partnership with churches, but also has a national scope and reach through partnerships, research and consulting projects with national denominations, foster care providers and others FaithBridge completed the first-ever national survey of a single denomination’s involvement and potential impact in foster care and is now working on a national rollout of its FaithBridge Community of Care model in multiple states. The organization is involved in system transformation and thought leadership activities with organizations ranging from the Christian Alliance for Orphans, Child Welfare League of America and more.

Prior to founding FaithBridge, Bill served in leadership roles in several residential group homes, emergency shelters, and served as a consultant to the child welfare industry. He also has pastored local churches while maintaining an active foster care advocacy and consultancy role. Hancock has been the recipient of numerous recognitions and awards, including a gubernatorial appointment to Georgia’s Policy Council for Children and Families, the Georgia Association of Homes and Services for Children’s Gail Bayes Visionary Leadership for Children and Families Award and an Angel in Adoption Award from the Congressional Coalition on Adoption. In addition, Bill is a Board Member for Georgia Life Alliance and a member of the CWLA National Faith-Based Advisory Committee. He and his wife have three biological children and three foster children.

Additional Resources

Foster Talk with Dr. John (Audio/Video)

On Dottie Coffman Show (Audio/Video)

Making Forever Families (Article)

News, January 2014 (Article)

News, February 2014 (Article)

News, March 2014 (Article)

News, April 2014 (Article)

Speaker Location

Atlanta, GA

Travel Notes

Willing to travel.

Speaking Themes

1.Trends and Forces Shaping the Orphan Care Movement: How the orphan movement in the U.S. is changing and shaping the outreach to vulnerable families and the renewal of communities. 2. From Principles to Practice to Policy: How they are connected. 3. Public/Private Partnerships: The role of government in communities caring for vulnerable families. 4. Changing the Way America Does Foster Care: The FaithBridge Community of Care Ministry Model

Sara Beth Fentress

Executive Director - 127 Worldwide, Inc.

Sara Beth Fentress

Executive Director - 127 Worldwide, Inc. http://127worldwide.org

Sara Beth Fentress, Founder and Executive Director of 127 Worldwide Inc., brings fourteen years of non-profit experience and sixteen years of ministry experience to the organization. She is a graduate of Carson Newman University and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. God has grown a passion in her heart for orphan care, advocacy, and discipleship.

Through networks in the international missions and non-profit sectors, Sara Beth has connected with national ministry leaders and international missionaries who desperately need a voice and connected them to influential circles in order to create awareness and facilitate change. Creating awareness to facilitate change – this is the heartbeat of Sara Beth. In what little free time she finds, Sara Beth loves to travel, kayak, read, and write. She is also not ashamed to admit that she has quite the collection of international toiletries and office supplies. Sara Beth lives in Raleigh, NC.

Additional Resources

Speaker Location

Raleigh, NC

Travel Notes

Willing to travel

Speaking Themes

Mission Project Training, Orphan Advocacy, Holistic Care for the Orphan, Empowering Local Leaders, Women’s Ministry, Mobilizing the Church, How can singles get involved in orphan care? How can I be a voice for the voiceless?

Tabitha Lovell

Missions and Adoption Travel Manager - Orphan Care Alliance

Tabitha Lovell

Missions and Adoption Travel Manager - Orphan Care Alliance http://www.AdoptionAirfare.com

Tabitha is a dedicated christian travel agent for missionaries and adopting families and an enthusiastic orphan advocate. She has a wonderful husband and six children (2 are biological) and works daily to hold the hands of missionaries and adopting families through each step of their travel process. She does public speaking to educate families on the ins and outs of adoption travel. She comes from a background as a nurse and administrator, with Emergency room experience. She has a calm way of handling travel situations that arise, and works efficiently to handle any problem that comes her way, to resolve it quickly. Her nursing background is a great benefit to her adopting families/travel customers. Tabitha is an experienced travel agent, and provides necessary resources for adopting families who are in need of help with their international travel. She has also done some missions work in Africa, and led a group of 23 to Uganda in 2011. She will be a wealth of information to any adopting family considering an international adoption, as well as to anyone planning an international missions trip. She is the Missions and Adoption Travel Manager for Adoption Airfare and Cheap Missions Trips.

Additional Resources

http://youtu.be/ugV0_0xIaAc
http://youtu.be/lQC9hA-zZb8
http://youtu.be/lZf_wOeTqn8
http://youtu.be/2yaKURg9Uvc

Articles:

Cancellations and Refunds With Humanitarian Flights

Last Minute Details to Prepare For Your Missions Trip

Drinking Water Safely on a Mission Trip

Food to Eat on Your Missions Trip

What to Wear on Your Missions Trip

Missionary Airfare For Your Missions Trip

Speaker Location

Kentucky

Travel Notes

I am willing to travel for speaking engagements at my own expense for travel to the states of Tennessee, Alabama, North Carolina, Indiana, West Virginia, Ohio, and Virginia. For other states, I will also be happy to travel for speaking engagements with planned arrangements with the church or ministry upon request.

Speaking Themes

Avoiding the Pitfalls of Adoption Travel, Effectively Planning for International Missions Travel, Short Term Missions Planning and Group Missions Trip Planning.

Jesse Rivers

Founder, President, CEO - Abogar International Ministries

Jesse Rivers

Founder, President, CEO - Abogar International Ministries http://abogarim.org

Jesse Rivers was born in and grew up in central Maine. Living through a challenging
and abusive childhood, he was finally rescued by the U.S. government at the age of 13
and placed in foster care. Fortunately, Jesus Christ pursued Jesse from a very young
age, and at the age of 7 years old Jesse received Jesus Christ as his Savior. While in
foster care, at the age of 15, after a very traumatic accident, Jesse came to the place of
surrender and service to the Lordship of Jesus Christ as well.

Throughout most of his lifetime, Jesse has been very aware of the calling of God on his
life, to serve precious children, most needing of love and care. He earned a BA in
Christian Ministries from Messiah College in 2002, and an MA in Cross-Cultural Studies
from Fuller Theological Seminary in 2010. Jesse currently lives the majority of the year
in Guatemala, where he serves with Abogar International Ministries, to fight for children
who are orphaned, abandoned, abused, at-risk, and/or homeless; seeking to promote
forever families, forever homes, and educational opportunities for the children. He also
enjoys serving in a diverse array of ministry positions; advocate, youth pastor, camp
pastor, evangelist, and motivational speaker.

Speaker Location

Southern California/Guatemala

Travel Notes

As the ministry I am serving with is a start-up and in the early stages, the majority of my
work can be done remotely. Therefore, my calendar is very flexible and available for
speaking engagements. Please consider extending me an invitation to be your guest
speaker for youth group, church, camp, events, schools, retreats, or any other arranged
get-together where you want people to be inspired to see, know, and pursue God’s
heart more!

Speaking Themes

As a motivational speaker, there are a vast array of speaking topics and themes that I
am comfortable speaking on! Working as an advocate for children who are orphaned
and homeless in Latin America, and having also come out of the foster care system
myself, I am often invited to inspire, motivate, and challenge youth to be intentional with
their lives. As long as Christ is the focus and center, I am open to consider a great
diversity of speaking themes and topics to inspire others to see, know, and live out the
love of God!

Johnston Moore

Executive Director - Home Forever

Johnston Moore

Executive Director - Home Forever http://www.home-4-ever.org

John has been married to Terri since 1988. They have seven children, all of whom were adopted through the Los Angeles County foster care system. John is a strong believer in, and vocal advocate for, permanency and justice for children, having witnessed the impact both have had on his children. John enjoyed a career in Hollywood in film/tv production and as a screenwriter before becoming fully immersed in adoption and foster care ministry, first through his employment at Hope for Orphans, and now through Home Forever. One of the writers of the recent feature movie CAMP, John continues to write, mainly on issues related to adoption and foster care. John is an elder at Grace Brethren Church in Long Beach, CA. John and his family (and church) were featured on CBS’s A Home for the Holidays in December 2012, John and his sons appeared on the Dr. Phil Show in October 2012, and John appeared on the series “Raising Whitley” (Oprah Winfrey Network) in March 2014.

Additional Resources

Video Speaking

Thriving Family Article

Speaker Location

Long Beach, CA

Travel Notes

John does receive a speaker fee and is more than willing to work within your program’s budget including reasonable travel expenses.

Speaking Themes

God’s Heart for the Orphan; Birth Family Relationships; The Gospel’s Implications for Adoption, Orphan Care and the Church; Foster Care; Policy Issues; Faith Based Collaborative with the Government;

Keith Howard

State Director - Panhandle - Arrow Child and Family Ministries

Keith Howard

State Director - Panhandle - Arrow Child and Family Ministries

Keith refers to himself as a “reformed youth pastor” who has found his calling within the orphan care movement in America. He did a brief stint working as an Investigator at Child Protective Services before moving over to Arrow, a non-profit organization that provides foster homes, adoptive homes, and emergency care services to youth in foster care. Keith currently serves as one of the State Directors for Arrow overseeing Arrow’s programs in the panhandle region of Texas (Amarillo & Lubbock offices). On a personal note, Keith and his wife, Staci, have been foster parents for the past 2 1/2 years and are closing in on the finalization of their own adoption journey of four beautiful children. They also have two biological daughters. Yes, that makes six children, which is also the reason people hope his family does not sit by them in a restaurant. Keith claims he would adopt many more, but Staci swears a 12-15 passenger van is not in her future. Keith likes to use humor, the Gospel, and real life experiences to encourage others in the midst of this journey and motivate those sitting on the sidelines.

Speaking Themes

Keith is available to speak on themes related to Foster Care, Orphan Sunday, Orphan Care, Adoption, Church and Agency Partnerships, sibling adoption, the Gospel as it relates to foster care and adoption, blending families via adoption and agency/church partnerships.

Mark Molzen

Author and Speaker - Chosen With Purpose

Mark Molzen

Author and Speaker - Chosen With Purpose http://www.chosenwithpurpose.com

Mark Molzen was born outside of Detroit to a fourteen-year-old ninth grader and an eighteen-year-old high school dropout. At the age of three months, he was adopted into the “United Nations of Adoption,” a family that included two biological children and four adoptive children of Native American, Asian American, and African American descent.

Now a spokesperson for an $18 billion, Fortune 150 Company, he received his bachelor of science degree in communications from the University of Utah and several professional awards for his role in communications and public relations campaigns.

He is also a Greater Phoenix Black Chamber of Commerce board member and a deacon at Bethel Church in Arizona. Molzen and his beautiful wife, Queena, have been married for twenty years and have three amazing sons.

Additional Resources

Mark on NBC

Everyday Grace: Chosen With Purpose (Search Speaker: Mark Molzen)

Acts: Chosen by the Holy Spirit (Search Speaker: Mark Molzen)

Article about Mark from NBC-TV

Speaker Location

Phoenix, AZ

Travel Notes

I am happy to travel with advanced notice – I am here to serve and to encourage.

Speaking Themes

Adoption (physical and spiritual), biblical identity and choices. Adoption is offered to all. God loves adoption so much that he wants it for all mankind if we will but accept this gift (2 Peter 3:9) and he tells us we should eagerly await our own spiritual adoption into his family (Romans 8:23). Accepting that adoption is part of God’s plan for your life will change your life forever. In Jeremiah 29:11, God says he knows the plans he has for us – God doesn’t make mistakes. You were chosen – not adopted. Regardless of how you came into this world, physical adoption is part of God’s plan for your life and there are many biblical parallels to support that. The bible says in Jeremiah 1:5 that you are a child of destiny – not accident. It says in Philippians 1:6, that you are a divine project – not an abandoned project and in 1 John 5:4, it says you are a victor – not a victim. God makes ALL things good for those who love him and are called according to his purposes (Romans 8:28). It’s Your Choice. Just as we have to choose to accept salvation, spiritual adoption into God’s family, we have to choose to accept that our physical adoption wasn’t a mistake but that it is part of God’s bigger plan for our lives. In Deuteronomy 11:26-32, it says, behold I stand before you offering you blessings or curses. It is our choice. It’s a choice that is never too late to make as it says in 2 Corinthians 5:17, Christ makes all things new.

Kimberly Smith

President - Make Way Partners

Kimberly Smith

President - Make Way Partners http://www.makewaypartners.org

Kimberly L. Smith is President of Make Way Partners, a mission organization committed to prevent and combat human trafficking. She is also a published author. Passport through Darkness, her first book, received wide acclaim including the INSPY Best Creative Nonfiction Award. She blogs regularly, sharing rich and reflective stories from her experiences of finding Hope in all corners of the world, including in the vilest forms of human trafficking and her personal, daily struggles with faith and courage.

Fighting to end human trafficking in the darkest corners of our world, skeptics declared many of the tasks set before her as impossible. However, fueled by compassion and incensed by grotesque injustice, Kimberly led Make Way Partners to the successful completion of building the first orphanage on the border of Darfur, Sudan. Building supplies had to be transported nearly 2,000 miles over hostile terrain with no roads or bridges. Today MWP continues to build upon that groundbreaking success and leads a powerful, indigenously based anti-trafficking network spanning Sudan and South Sudan.

Kimberly is passionate about helping others to discover their unique purpose in this world. She leads the daily operations of MWP, and divides her time between each mission location, writing, and public speaking in the US and abroad. Kimberly also enjoys blazing new trails with others on the journey. Two of her favorite sojourners are Rusty-the-True and Pepper, a horse and puppy that rescued her along their own healing journeys.

To invite Kimberly to speak, contact [email protected].

Facebook

Twitter

Additional Resources

Focus on the Family’s Two-Part Interview with Kimberly: Part 1 Part 2

Author Website

Travel Notes

First, she prays to be used in such a way to equip and empower Make Way Partners (MWP) to save many more orphans and widows from slave raiders, genocide, and other forms of oppression.

Second, MWP strives to accomplish this goal by educating and mobilizing the Body of Christ. Thus, Kimberly shares in such a way as to help each and every Believer discover God’s unique dream for their life, their powerful role in the Kingdom.

Venues:

– Worship service pulpit (25-40 minutes, depending on topic)
– University/Seminary speaker
– Keynote speaker at various public events
– Plenary speaker and panelist in her areas of expertise: human trafficking, genocide, and orphan care
– Leader of Our Father’s Dream Retreat, an interactive 48-hour retreat helping people to discover God’s unique dream for their lives

Speaking Themes

Human Trafficking, Genocide, Sudan, and Orphan Care.

Eileen Mestas

President - Mustard Seed Faith Ministries

Eileen Mestas

President - Mustard Seed Faith Ministries http://www.morethanicanhandle.com

Eileen has been married to Jerry for 34 years. They had three biological children and were living the American dream planning for their empty nest until God radically transformed their lives by awakening their hearts to the orphan crisis. They have since adopted five children, both domestic & international and founded Mustard Seed Faith Ministries (Matthew 17:20). They served in ministry to the Kolfe Boys Orphanage in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and sponsored a Kolfe boy as an international student to the USA .

She spends her days home schooling their five youngest children, being grandma to three and needing her Savior all the day long. She serves in the Awana Program and North Wake Adoption Orphan Care Ministry at her church. She is the inventor/patent owner of a breastfeeding cover designed to provide privacy in public. She is a passionate Orphan Care advocate who desires to educate,encourage and equip the saints to be about the Lord’s business and fulfill His purpose in their lives, and the author of More Than I Can Handle! – a testimony of trusting God’s faithfulness through the impossible!

Speaker Location

Wake Forest, NC

Additional Resources

Article

More Than I can Handle – Book Review

Travel Info

Travel expenses are requested in addition to honorarium.

Speaking Themes

Faith, Adoption – Domestic & International, Orphan Care, Marriage, Parenting

Darren Washausen

President - Orphan Care Alliance

Darren Washausen

President - Orphan Care Alliance http://www.orphancarealliance.org

Darren and his wife, Stacia, were called to adopt in 2003. They are the parents of Britt, Andrew (from St. Petersburg Russia), and Noah from Democratic Republic of Congo. In 2009, Darren became the President and Executive Director of Orphan Care Alliance in Louisville, KY.

Speaker Location

Louisville, KY

Additional Resources

Monthly newsletters for Orphan Care Alliance can be made available.

Previous Speaking: Has spoken at breakout sessions and led panel discussions since SUMMIT V.

Travel Info

I would be fine to speak in a 4 hour radius of Louisville.

Speaking Themes

Growing Church Alliances Working with State Government Advocate for Domestic Orphan Care

Jason Damkoehler

Executive Director/President - Precious.org

Jason Damkoehler

Executive Director/President - Precious.org http://www.precious.org

Jason and Nancy Damkoehler have been married since 1994 and are raising and homeschooling five amazing children, three boys and two adopted girls (China and Colombia), from 2 to 15 years old. As a 20-year-pastor, Jason serves as the senior pastor of Journey Family Fellowship, a growing family-integrated church he and Nancy founded in Bloomington, IL in 2005. Nearly half of the families attending Journey have adopted or foster children. Jason is also the Executive Director and President of one of Google’s highest ranking international adoption website, Precious.org, which has reached millions of people and helped more than 40,000 orphans from around the world come home to a permanent family.

As a 20-year business leader and communication professional, Jason’s career has included positions as a radio announcer and TV reporter/anchor at several radio and TV stations, senior pastor, missionary, communication and IT consultant, executive speechwriter, freelance video director, corporate video writer/producer and successful entrepreneur. Jason holds a degree from Illinois State University in a degree in Mass Communications. He studied theology at Berean University in Springfield, MO. Jason is a passionate and motivational speaker, regularly speaking nationally at adoption conferences, men’s retreats, churches, camps, homeschool events and large corporations.

Speaker Location

Bloomington, Il

Additional Resources

Travel Info

Jason travels with his wife Nancy and his children as often as possible.

Speaking Themes

Motivating and empowering people to move past their fears and grab ahold of God’s passion for orphans. Passionately and unapologetically challenging men to rise up and lead in the adoption revolution! Equipping people to adopt and equipping the Church to support those who do. Motivating church leaders to make adoption/orphan care a primary ministry of their church.

Jeff Thompson

CEO - Mercy Projects

Jeff Thompson

CEO - Mercy Projects http://www.mercyprojects.com

Jeff is the founder of Eastern European Outreach (now called Mercy Projects) and left home at 21 years old to smuggle bibles behind the Iron Curtain. He is the author of “Leaving The American Sector” and works with over 1000 orphans and at-risk children in Ukraine, Russia, Kosovo, and Armenia.

Jeff’s story begins by being caught with bibles at the East German border and eventually being banned from the Soviet Union before allowed back in 1990. He spent 8 years in the 90’s teaching God’s Word in 59 Youth Prisons across Russia, Siberia and the Far East. This marked the beginning of the Mercy Projects ministry to orphans and at-risk children.

He has been married to wife Paula for 32 years and has 4 children and 6 grandchildren. They work with at-risk children and human trafficking, and volunteer in their community with Safe Families For Children (www.safe-families.org) providing homes and assistance to keep young people out of foster care.

Speaker Location

Southern California

Additional Resources

About Jeff Thompson and Mercy Projects

Travel Info

Jeff does not charge for speaking engagements. Help with travel expenses is appreciated.

Speaking Themes

Defending Widows and Orphans, Human Trafficking, Foster Care and Solutions for Orphans in our Communities The Broken and Fatherless Are All Around Us How we as Christians can make a practical difference in our community and the world simply by living our faith

Kevin Hofmann

Consultant in Adoption, Adult Adoptee, Consultant in Adoption

Kevin Hofmann

Consultant in Adoption, Adult Adoptee, Consultant in Adoption http://www.kevinhofmann.com

Kevin Hofmann is an accomplished writer and public speaker who has a passion for adoption and especially Transracial adoption and enjoys sharing his experiences as a biracial Transracial adoptee to help other adoptive families.

Working with the Ohio Child Welfare Training Program, Kevin serves as a trainer and helps educate foster/adoptive parents across Ohio in the areas of Transcultural parenting, Cultural Diversity, and Search and Reunion.

Appearing all over the United States speaking to parents and professionals his perspective and light-hearted yet contemplative view is sought after by many. Kevin has been interviewed by Nightline ABC regarding his expertise in Transracial adoption and has written articles for several publications including Adoption Families Magazine and is an active blogger for Adoption.com. He is quickly becoming a trusted voice in the adoption arena. Kevin’s memoir, Growing Up Black In White is presently used as part of several college curricula in the schools of social work and multiculturalism. Because his story also addresses the impact of race and culture in our society, he uses his story to create open discussions on race and culture as well.

Hofmann now lives with his wife and two sons in Toledo Ohio where he also serves as a board member for the Adopt America Network, a national organization committed to finding homes for special needs children. Kevin is also a committed CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) volunteer and enjoys advocating for children and making sure their voices are heard.

Speaker Location

United States

Additional Resources

Previous Speaking: Click Here and Click Here

Travel Info

Please contact Kevin directly to discuss honorarium and travel

Speaking Themes

Transracial adoption, Adoption advocacy , racial identity formation in transracial adoptees, The importance of culture, Adoption: The Divine appointment in which God causes the lives of individuals to intersect…and become family. God made us colorful so stop being color-blind. Adoption Residue{ The affects of being adopted.

Elizabeth Occhipinti

President - Miriam's Heart

Elizabeth Occhipinti

President - Miriam's Heart http://www.miriamsheart.org

Co-Founder & President of Miriam’s Heart, Elizabeth seeks to create a culture of adoption within the church. Miriam’s Heart began out of the example of a small church located in a rural area. This church had what we like to call, ‘a culture of adoption’. This radical ‘culture’ within this small church facilitated the adoptions & fostering of nearly 100 children! Their ability to mentor and support each other during the adoption and foster process created a culture in which adoption is supported and celebrated by the entire church family! Through the work of a few ‘pioneering’ families within the church, vast numbers of children are being brought out of their dire situations and into families. Just like Moses’ sister Miriam, the ministry seeks to facilitate adoptions and concerns itself with the children, birth parents and adoptive parents; and to treat them as equals. The first goal is to keep families together. If this is not possible, then our goal is to bring children into families or support them where they are. We also to participate in cooperation with organizations who support families through community initiatives, anti-trafficking advocacy, missions and child sponsorship.

Elizabeth Occhipinti is a passionate and engaging speaker. She works as the ministry administrator, oversees and plans events and fundraising activities. Elizabeth also works as a community liaison to develop relationships between adoptive and foster families, adult adoptees and prospective adoptive and foster families, and with agencies and orphan care organizations. Seeing the church and the family as the two groups tasked with looking after the orphan, Elizabeth tirelessly reaches out, networks to bring children into families and rallies the remaining church to celebrate and support them! Also serving in the worship ministry at Zarephath Christian Church, Elizabeth & Jim volunteer for My Neighbor’s Ministries, Urban Impact, and AWANA. Adoptive parents themselves, Jim & Elizabeth have 5 children and live in Somerset, NJ.

Speaker Location

Central, NJ

Additional Resources

Blog

Travel Info

We are passionate to reach the Northeast/Tri-State area with our message! Email us at [email protected] for more information!

Speaking Themes

Creating the culture of adoption within your church; We can locally provide a panel of adoptive, foster and adult adoptees to field questions pertaining to adoption & foster care; Motivating the church to consider their calling under the Biblical mandate to adopt; Looking holistically at the orphan, birth family and adoptive family Educating & Equipping the Church to Take Action on Behalf of Orphaned and Abandoned Children Reaching the Northeast/Tri-State Area

Andy Lehman

Vice President - Lifesong for Orphans

Andy Lehman

Vice President - Lifesong for Orphans http://lifesong.squarespace.com/

Andy Lehman is an orphan advocate and serves as Vice President of Lifesong for Orphans. Andy has been with Lifesong since it’s inception in 2002: developing partnerships, growing church relationships, launching new initiatives, speaking & global advocacy. Andy also serves on the Board of Directors for the Christian Alliance for Orphans & Orphan Sunday campaign, has been a guest on numerous Christian radio programs and has authored articles for the Focus on the Family and elsewhere.

Prior to his role at Lifesong, Andy served in a Human Resources at State Farm Insurance. As a couple they also served as house-parents at Gateway Woods, a Christian children’s home for at risk youth. Andy and his lovely wife Jill are adoptive parents have 4 children (two through adoption) – Travor, Haley, and Caleb, and Hope.

Speaker Location

Gridley, IL

Additional Resources

  • Articles written by or About:

A Passion for the Fatherless (by Daniel Bennett)

Orphanology (by Rick Morton / Tony Merida)

“I want to encourage you to spend some time with our good friends at Lifesong. God is using this ministry to open the eyes of the church to God’s heart for orphans.”
— Dennis Rainey, President, FamilyLife

“Every chance I get, I point adopting families (and those who think they might be) to Lifesong for Orphans. Our Christ Jesus is using this ministry to empower families to adopt children, and thus to point the whole church to the gospel that saves us and the mission that sends us.”
— Russell D. Moore, author, Adopted for Life

“Through their work in and among the churches in the US, Lifesong for Orphans is fulfilling their mission of ‘bringing joy and purpose to orphans.’ They are living out the gospel in the work they are doing.”
— Francis Chan, Author, Crazy Love and Forgotten God

Speaking Themes

God’s Heart for the Orphan, Becoming an Orphan Advocate in each Season of Life, Innovative Orphan Care Solutions, Financing Adoption 101, Establishing Church Adoption Funds, Cultivating Indigenous Adoption ~ an relatively untapped solution in the orphan crisis, Brush-to-Berries ~ creating sustainable business to help orphans, and Successful Life Transitions for Older Orphans.

Heath Pressley

President - Pathways for Little Feet

Heath Pressley

President - Pathways for Little Feet https://heathpressley.wordpress.com

For more than two and a half decades Heath Pressley has been a church planting pastor, leading communicator, and ministry consultant. Through humor and powerful story telling that points people to Jesus, Heath has helped thousands of people experience life transformation. His expertise has helped numerous organizations develop missional strategy and experience dramatic growth. In 2013 God moved Heath out of pastoral ministry and into orphan advocacy. Later that year, Heath became the President of Pathways For Little Feet, a Christ-centered organization that is working towards a world where every child is a permanent member of a loving family. Pathways for Little Feet encourages adoption through education, advocacy and financial assistance. Heath lives in Katy, TX with his beautiful wife, Jennifer, their five children, Josh, Mariah, Gracie, Javonte, Jack and his Mom, Donna.

Speaking Themes

God’s heart for the fatherless, God’s redemptive work through adoption, Theology of Adoption, An adoptee and adoptive parents’ personal journey, Financing Adoptions, Creating Orphan Care ministry in Churches, Practicing the presence of God when everything goes to heck.

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